What does monocratic mean?
Monocratic means governed or characterized by the authority of a single ruler. The term is most often used in political and historical writing to describe systems in which supreme power belongs to one person rather than being shared through a representative assembly, an electorate, or another body. Monocratic rule is distinct from democracy, but it is not automatically identical with tyranny: a monarch may exercise authority under established laws and traditions. The adjective is also used more broadly for organizations or arrangements in which one person or authority holds decisive power. It is a formal, relatively uncommon word, and readers will usually understand it most easily as an adjective connected to monarchical government. Its historical relatives include monarch, monarchy, and monocrat.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by government by a single ruler or governing authority.
- Characterized by rule or government by a single ruler or governing authority.
"The country transitioned from a monocratic system to a representative government."
"The monocratic council was abolished after the reform."
"Her study compares monocratic institutions with modern representative democracies."
Monocratic puts the spotlight on the defining feature of monarchy: one person holds the power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monocratic come from?
Monocratic was formed in the 19th century from the combining form mono-, meaning “single” or “alone,” and -cratic, which relates to rule or power. These elements come ultimately from Greek monos, meaning “single,” and Greek kratos, meaning “power” or “strength.” The same Greek foundation appears in related political terms such as democratic and autocratic.
Related word forms
How monocratic is actually used
This is primarily a formal political term. It describes a structure in which authority is vested in one person, but it does not necessarily imply that the ruler is cruel or illegitimate.
Easily confused with monocratic
A monocratic system concentrates authority in one ruler, whereas a democratic system distributes political authority among the people.