oligarchy

== English == === Etymology === Borrowed from French oligarchie, from Late Latin oligarchia, from Ancient Greek ὀλιγαρχία (oligarkhía), from ὀλίγος (olígos, “few”) + ἀρχή (arkhḗ, “rule”). By surface analysis, oligo- (“few”) +‎ -archy (“rule, command”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɒlɪˌɡɑːki/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈɑːlɪˌɡɑɹki/, /ˈoʊlɪˌɡɑɹki/ Hyphenation: o‧li‧gar‧chy === Noun === oligarchy (countable and uncountable, plural oligarchies) A government run by and for only a few, often the aristocracy, the wealthy, or their friends and associates. A state ruled by such a government. Those who make up an oligarchic government. ==== Hyponyms ==== aristocracy (rule by 'the best', particularly a hereditary nobility); meritocracy, technocracy (rule by the qualified); plutocracy (rule by the wealthy); kleptocracy (rule by thieves); chumocracy (rule by nepotism) ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ====