rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -kratia
Greek

-kratia

rule or power

Forms

  • -kratia
  • -cracy — The ending changed spelling and shortened through later borrowing.

Origin

Built from Greek kratos, “strength or power.”

Note

The first part of a compound normally identifies who or what holds power.

3 / 5
At an official service counter, an applicant faces a cumbersome packet of forms while a clerk requires another form before stamping the application.
adjective

bureaucratic

byoor-uh-KRAT-ik/ˌbjʊrəˈkrætɪk/

Relating to official administration, often marked by rigid rules and slow procedures.

Etymology
bureauFrenchoffice, desk
+craticGreekrule or power

An office or desk combined with ‘rule’ gives the image of government by offices. The adjective reflects the associated criticism of officialdom as inflexible and burdened with administrative procedures.

Full entry

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