释义 |
dem·o·crat·ic \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|krad.]ik, -at], ]ēk also ]ək\ adjective also dem·o·crat·i·cal \]ə̇kəl, ]ēk-\ Etymology: democratic from Middle French democratique, from Medieval Latin democraticus, from Greek dēmokratikos, from dēm- dem- + -kratikos -cratic; democratical from Middle French democratique + English -al 1. a. : favoring, characterized by, or based upon the principles of democracy < no church constitution has proved in practice so democratic as that of Scotland — J.R.Green > b. : of, relating to, or favoring a political system in which the supreme power is held and exercised by the people < a democratic country > — opposed to authoritarian 2. often capitalized : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the United States evolving in the early 19th century from the anti-Federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism in foreign affairs — compare republican 2b 3. : relating or appealing to or having the characteristics of the broad masses of the people < a democratic art > 4. : favoring or disposed to favor social equality : disregarding or overcoming class distinctions : not snobbish or socially exclusive < democratic tastes > < bombs are completely democratic. They are no respecters of persons, and do not distinguish between a hovel and a mansion — John Mason Brown > 5. : favoring the assessment of individuals upon their own merits and capacities : emphasizing the individual's potentiality for development < promotion in industry along democratic lines > • dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly \]ə̇k(ə)lē, ]ēk-, -li\ adverb |