democratic

American  

[dem-uh-krat-ik] / ˌdɛm əˈkræt ɪk /

Also democratical

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of democracy or a democracy.

2. pertaining to or characterized by the principle of political or social equality for all.

   democratic treatment.

3. advocating or upholding democracy.

4. (initial capital letter)

   1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Democratic Party.

   2. of, relating to, or belonging to the Democratic-Republican Party.

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democratic British  

/ ˌdɛməˈkrætɪk /

adjective

1. of, characterized by, derived from, or relating to the principles of democracy

2. upholding or favouring democracy or the interests of the common people

3. popular with or for the benefit of all

   democratic sports

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Usage

What does democratic mean? The adjective democratic is used to describe something that operates under or or resembles democracy, a form of government in which the citizens hold the power. Usually, the word democratic is used to describe political systems, governments, or countries that use such systems. It can also be used to describe voting systems, philosophies, or strategies that rely on a majority vote or that allow everyone to give their opinion. When capitalized, Democratic is used in the name of the Democratic Party, one of the major political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. Example: The United States of America practices a democratic form of government where citizens vote on issues and elect politicians by majority vote.

Other Word Forms

• antidemocratic
  adjective
• antidemocratical
  adjective
• half-democratic
  adjective
• hyperdemocratic
  adjective
• nondemocratic
  adjective
• nondemocratical
  adjective
• predemocratic
  adjective
• prodemocratic
  adjective
• pseudo-Democratic
  adjective
• pseudodemocratic
  adjective
• quasi-democratic
  adjective
• superdemocratic
  adjective
• undemocratic
  adjective
• antidemocratically
  adverb
• democratically
  adverb
• nondemocratically
  adverb
• pseudodemocratically
  adverb
• quasi-democratically
  adverb
• superdemocratically
  adverb
• undemocratically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of democratic

1595–1605; < French démocratique or Medieval Latin dēmocraticus, both < Greek dēmokratikós, equivalent to dēmokrat ( ía ) ( see democracy) + -ikos -ic

Explanation

Things that are democratic are ruled by the people, for the people. A basic democratic process involves letting everyone vote on what they think is best for the whole group. Democratic government started thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, but it's still catching on all over the world. A dictatorship or monarchy is ruled by one person, but in a democratic society, or a democracy, the people rule. Even though there is a leader — a President in the United States — he or she is elected by the people. Anything that allows people more say in the government is democratic.

Example Sentences

Several political leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organisations have expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, describing them as part of democratic expression protected under the country's onstitution.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

His speech on Sunday struck a conciliatory tone, vowing to respect democratic principles and govern for "all Colombians."

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

In terms of political continuance, the democratic process ultimately depends on a kind of shared witnessing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

A politics of love is a democratic ideal in the deepest sense, rooted in the conviction that every person bears the image of God and is therefore owed dignity, justice and care.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

Important historically, these were the free people encountered by France and Britain—personifications of democratic self-government so vivid that some historians and activists have argued that the Great Law of Peace directly inspired the U.S.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• autonomous
• constitutional
• egalitarian
• free
• orderly
• popular