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oligarchically

oligarchically

9.9
In a way that gives power to a small group of people
  • adverb
  • /ˌoʊlɪˈɡɑrkɪkli/
: de manera oligárquica
  • The government operated oligarchically, prioritizing the interests of a few wealthy families over the needs of the general population.

Examples

  • Her research focused on how power was distributed oligarchically within the political system, limiting choices for ordinary citizens.

  • In the oligarchically structured company, decisions were made by a small group of investors who controlled the board.

  • If there was democracy in this, it was an oligarchically controlled populist democracy that worked for the ruling nationality alone.

    Academic text (1999)

Antonyms

In a way where people choose leaders and make decisions by voting

How Oligarchic

oligarchically
9.9

Surface Forms

oligarchically positive

Morphology

oligarchically = oligarchic (transparent) = oligarch + ic + ally

Forming an adverb by adding the regular adverbial suffix '-ally' to the adjective 'oligarchic' is a standard and predictable operation.

Etymology

Oligarchically comes from Greek parts olig- meaning 'few' and -arch meaning 'rule', the same root in monarch which means a single ruler. So, to act oligarchically is to act 'in a way ruled by a few', putting power in the hands of a small group.