Langimage
English

undemocratically

|un-de-moc-ra-tic-al-ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌʌndɛməˈkrætɪkli/

🇬🇧

/ˌʌndeməˈkrætɪkli/

(undemocratic)

not in line with democracy

Base FormComparativeSuperlativeNounAdverb
undemocraticmore undemocraticmost undemocraticundemocraticnessundemocratically
Etymology
Etymology Information

'undemocratically' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'undemocratic' with the adverbial suffix '-ally', where the prefix 'un-' meant 'not' and 'democratic' traces to Greek 'demokratia' (from 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'power' or 'rule').

Historical Evolution

'demokratia' (Greek) influenced Latin and later French forms (e.g. 'démocratie') and entered English as 'democracy' and 'democratic'; the adjective 'undemocratic' was created by adding the negating prefix 'un-' to 'democratic', and ultimately the adverb 'undemocratically' formed by adding '-ally' to the adjective.

Meaning Changes

Originally related to 'rule by the people' (democratic); with the prefix 'un-' the sense shifted to 'not democratic', and the adverbial form now means 'in a not democratic way.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that is not democratic; without following democratic principles, procedures, or participation.

The law was passed undemocratically, without public consultation or fair voting procedures.

Synonyms

anti-democraticallyautocraticallydictatorially

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/10/24 09:58