noun
democracy
dih-MOK-ruh-see
noun
1
A system of government in which power belongs to the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives.
"The country transitioned to democracy after decades of military rule."
"Free elections are a cornerstone of democracy."
2
A country governed under such a system.
"The report ranked the nation among the world's strongest democracies."
How to Use Democracy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGovernment where the people hold the power, usually through voting.
Common pairings
a thriving democracy
defend democracy
democratic elections
Word Forms
democracies plural
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The country transitioned to _____ after decades of military rule.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek demokratia, from demos ("the people") plus -kratia ("rule, power") — literally "rule by the people".