# democratic

/ˌdɛməˈkɹætɪk/ (US) · /dˌɛməkɹˈætɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/democratic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. government by the people

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to a system of government where citizens vote to choose their leaders.

For teachers: pertaining to or based on the principles of democracy, specifically a system of government by the whole population through elected representatives.

- The country held its first democratic elections after many years of military rule.
- The transition to a fully democratic system required significant constitutional reforms to ensure that every citizen's vote carried equal weight.

### 2. social equality

adjective · CEFR B2

treating everyone as equal and giving everyone the same rights.

For teachers: characterised by or favouring social equality and egalitarianism within a group or organisation.

- The manager has a very democratic style and listens to everyone's ideas.
- The club maintains a democratic structure where even the newest members have a voice in deciding the annual budget.

### 3. US political party

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

relating to the Democratic Party in the United States.

For teachers: pertaining to or supporting the Democratic Party, one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States.

- She has been a supporter of Democratic candidates since she was a student.
- The senator outlined the Democratic platform on healthcare during the televised debate last night.

Usage: Often capitalised as 'Democratic' when referring specifically to the American political party.

## Examples

- The club uses a democratic process to choose its new leader.
- After years of military rule, the citizens were eager to participate in their first democratic election.
- The transition to a fully democratic society requires not only free elections but also the establishment of independent institutions and a free press to hold leaders accountable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.