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oligarchy

Noun

IPA /ˈɒlɪɡɑːki/

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Meaning in plain English

A system of government in which a small group holds power.

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Pronunciation

oligarchy/ˈɒlɪɡɑːki/

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A small ruling group holds power
The larger population is governed by them

Oligarchy is government by a small group.

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The film imagines a city governed by a wealthy oligarchy.
The students compared oligarchy with other forms of government.

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The film imagines a city governed by a wealthy ________.

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oligarchy — A system of government in which a small group holds power.

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A system of government in which a small group holds power.

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Word origin

Ultimately from Greek oligoi, few, and arkhein, to rule.

Did you know?

Oligarch is a related noun for a member of a small group holding power.

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