rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ikos
Greek

-ikos

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ikos
  • -ic — The ending shortened as Greek words entered Latin, French, and English.

Origin

Greek -ikos continued an older Indo-European ending used to describe a connection or kind.

Note

English extended this borrowed ending to newly coined words.

44 / 149
adjective

democratic

dem-uh-KRAT-ik/ˌdeməˈkrætɪk/

Based on equal participation by ordinary people.

Our club uses a democratic process to choose its next president.

Community meeting votes by raised hands around one small table, a clear majority of five raises hands while one does not; respectful participatory governance, no signs.
Etymology
demoGreekpeople or a district
+cratGreekstrength, power, or rule
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

The roots place governing power in the people as a whole. The adjective ending makes democratic describe government characterized by that principle, whether people exercise power directly or through elected representatives.

In context

UC Berkeley Events61:10
they're willing to protest elections that are in fact stolen, but also accept the results of elections that were democratic
Defending Against Disinformation

More examples

  • A democratic workplace gives employees a voice in decisions.
  • The choir takes a democratic approach, letting every member suggest songs.
  • The workshop is democratic, welcoming beginners and experts on equal terms.

Forms

democratic

democratically adverb — With equal participation in making decisions.

democracy noun — Government controlled by the people.

Similar words

egalitarian
Emphasizes equal status and opportunity rather than shared decision-making.
participatory
Emphasizes active involvement without necessarily giving everyone equal power.
inclusive
Emphasizes welcoming different people rather than giving them equal authority.