democratic
gb/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk/ us/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
supporting democracy
About a government where people choose their leaders by voting.
Usage pattern:
[something] is democratic
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'democratic' with 'Democrat', which refers to a member of the U.S. political party.
Synonyms
representative (Emphasizes elected officials acting on behalf of the people.)
Antonyms
authoritarian (Refers to systems where power is concentrated in one leader or small group without public input.)
Collocations
democratic system
|democratic principles
|democratic process
|democratic government
|democratic society
Themes
politics
|government
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The country prides itself on its democratic traditions.
- We must protect our democratic institutions from corruption.
- The new law was passed through a democratic process.
- Many nations have transitioned to democratic governments in recent decades.
- Democratic principles are enshrined in the constitution.
Learner examples
- This country has a democratic government.
- People vote in a democratic system.
- The law was made in a democratic way.
- A democratic society gives people rights.
- We live in a democratic country.
adjective
B2
property
2
treating people equally
Treating all people the same and giving them equal chances.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is democratic [in manner/approach]
Synonyms
egalitarian (Focuses on equality of rights and opportunities.)
Antonyms
hierarchical (Emphasizes structured levels of authority and inequality.)
Collocations
democratic leadership style
|democratic approach
|democratic values
Themes
social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her democratic style made everyone feel valued in the team.
- The company promotes a democratic approach to decision-making.
- He runs his classroom in a very democratic way.
- A democratic workplace encourages open discussion.
- Their marriage is based on a democratic partnership.
Learner examples
- The teacher is democratic with students.
- Our boss has a democratic style.
- We use a democratic approach in meetings.
- He is democratic in his thinking.
- They have a democratic relationship.
adjective
B1
property
3
related to US Democratic Party
About the Democratic Party in the United States.
Usage pattern:
[something] is Democratic
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'Democratic' (party) with 'democratic' (system of government). Capitalization is important.
Synonyms
liberal (US context) (Often used informally to refer to Democratic Party positions, though not identical in meaning.)
Antonyms
Republican (Refers to the other major political party in the United States.)
Collocations
Democratic candidate
|Democratic senator
|Democratic platform
Themes
politics
|United States
Examples
- She is running as the Democratic nominee for governor.
- The Democratic platform focuses on healthcare and education.
- Several Democratic senators opposed the bill.
- He has been a loyal Democratic supporter for decades.
- The state has voted Democratic in the last five elections.
Learner examples
- He is a Democratic senator.
- The Democratic Party won the election.
- She supports Democratic ideas.
- They voted for the Democratic candidate.
- The state is mostly Democratic.
Grammar
Dictionary form
democratic
IPA
GB/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk/
US/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk/
Syllables & stress
demo - crat - ic (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ic)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: democratic
Word family
Core family
democracy
noun B1
democratically
adverb
Related words
democrat
noun B1
democratize
verb
Negative and opposite forms
undemocratic
adjective
Advanced or less common
democratization
noun C1
Expressions
democratic process
1/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk pɹˈɑsˌɛs/
fixed phrase
decision-making in democracy
The way decisions are made when people vote or have a say.
Examples
- Free speech is an important part of the democratic process.
- The new policy was created through the democratic process.
democratic society
1/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk səsˈaɪəti/
fixed phrase
society with democracy
A community where people choose leaders and have equal rights.
Examples
- We aim to build a fair and democratic society.
- A democratic society depends on active citizens.
democratic values
1/dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk vˈæljuz/
fixed phrase
principles of democracy
Beliefs that support freedom, equality, and voting rights.
Examples
- Education teaches children about democratic values.
- Freedom of speech is one of our core democratic values.