✅ Oligarchy Meaning & Explanation
Oligarchy meaning is a form of government or power structure where control rests with a small group of people, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, military power, or political influence. This small elite holds significant authority over decision-making, often prioritizing their own interests rather than the broader population’s needs. Unlike democracies where power is broadly distributed, oligarchies concentrate power in the hands of a few.
The term “oligarchy” originates from the Greek words “oligos” (few) and “arkho” (to rule). Historically, oligarchies have existed in various societies, sometimes overlapping with aristocracies or plutocracies, where the ruling few may be nobles or wealthy individuals. Oligarchic rule can be explicit or hidden behind other political systems, making it a significant concept in political science and sociology.
In everyday language, when someone refers to “oligarchy,” they imply a system where a powerful minority controls most resources or decision-making, often leading to unequal power dynamics and social stratification.
✳️ In Hindi:
Oligarchy (ओलिगार्की) का मतलब है एक ऐसी सरकार या व्यवस्था जिसमें सत्ता कुछ चुनिंदा लोगों के हाथों में होती है, जो आमतौर पर धन, परिवार या राजनीतिक प्रभाव से प्रतिष्ठित होते हैं। यह छोटा समूह अपने स्वार्थ के लिए निर्णय लेता है और जनता की व्यापक भलाई की कम परवाह करता है।
उदाहरण के लिए, अगर कोई कहे कि देश में ओलिगार्की है, तो उनका मतलब है कि सत्ता आम लोगों के बजाय कुछ ताकतवर लोगों के पास सीमित है।
🌐 Translations for Oligarchy Meaning
Telugu: Oligarchy అంటే కొద్దిమంది శక్తి పాలనా విధానం
Tamil: Oligarchy என்பது சிலர் ஆட்சியாற்றும் அரசு
Marathi: Oligarchy म्हणजे थोड्या लोकांच्या हातातील सत्तारूढ सरकार
Kannada: Oligarchy ಅಂದರೆ ಕೆಲವು ಜನರ ಆಡಳಿತ
Malayalam: Oligarchy അഥവാ ഒളിഗാർക്കി എന്നാണ് കുറച്ച് ആളുകൾ മാത്രം നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്ന ഭരണരീതി
Bengali: Oligarchy মানে কম সংখ্যকের শাসনব্যবস্থা
Gujarati: Oligarchy એટલે થોડી લોકોએ શાસન કરવું
Urdu: Oligarchy کا مطلب ہے چند افراد کا حکومت پر قابو
Punjabi: Oligarchy ਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਚੰਦ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਰਾਜ
🗂️ Oligarchy Meaning
Part of Speech: Noun
Usage: Oligarchy is used to describe political systems or organizations dominated by a small elite group. It often appears in political analysis, history discussions, and critiques of power concentration.
Common contexts: describing governments, corporations, or societies where a few hold disproportionate influence and control.
📝 Examples in Sentences
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Many critics argue that some modern democracies are effectively oligarchies controlled by wealthy elites.
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The company’s decision-making felt like an oligarchy, with only top executives having a say.
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Ancient Sparta is often cited as a historical example of an oligarchy.
🔄 Other Oligarchy Meaning (if any)
There is no alternative standard definition for oligarchy. The term consistently refers to rule by a small group. Variations exist only in the specific groups holding power or the formality of their control.
❗Tone Note:
Oligarchy is a formal political term, often used in academic, historical, or journalistic contexts. It carries a critical connotation regarding power concentration and lack of broad representation.
🔤 Related Terms
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Aristocracy: Rule by nobility or privileged class
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Plutocracy: Government by the wealthy
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Autocracy: Rule by a single individual with absolute power
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Democracy: Rule by the people or majority
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Kleptocracy: Government by corrupt leaders who exploit resources
Read More – ✅ Skibidi Meaning, Definition, Uses, Category
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does oligarchy meaning in simple terms?
A: It means a government or system ruled by a few powerful people instead of by many or all citizens.
Q2: How is oligarchy different from democracy?
A: Democracy means power is shared broadly by the people, while oligarchy concentrates power in a small group.
Q3: Can oligarchy exist in modern countries?
A: Yes, sometimes democracies may have oligarchic tendencies if a small elite controls significant political or economic power.