oligarchy
UK/'ɒligɑ:ki/US
GREC2
Definitions
n.
A form of government in which power is held by a small group of people.
寡头政治，寡头政体（权力由一小撮人掌握）。
n.
The small group of people who hold such power.
（掌握此种权力的）寡头集团。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedolig- (Greek oligos, 'few') + arch (rule) + -y (system) = rule by the few. Sits on the same scale as monarchy (one) and anarchy (none): the prefix counts the rulers, arch supplies the ruling.
Root arch still carries 12 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.ruling oligarchy执政寡头集团
- 2.corporate oligarchy企业寡头
- 3.narrow oligarchy狭隘的寡头统治
Example Sentences
- 1.
Critics say the country is really an oligarchy run by a few rich families.
- 2.
Power shifted from a broad democracy toward a narrow oligarchy.
- 3.
Ancient Sparta was governed as an oligarchy.