What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
authoritarian
Example
The country is ruled by an authoritarian government that suppresses political opposition. [authoritarian: adjective]
Example
The teacher had an authoritarian approach, expecting complete obedience from the students. [authoritarian: noun]
autocratic
Example
The CEO had an autocratic management style, making all the decisions without involving the employees. [autocratic: adjective]
Example
The country was under the rule of an autocratic dictator who had complete control over every aspect of people's lives. [autocratic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authoritarian is more commonly used than autocratic in everyday language, especially in discussions about politics and governance. Autocratic is more specific to leadership styles and is often used in business and organizational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between authoritarian and autocratic?
Both authoritarian and autocratic are formal words that are typically used in serious and professional contexts. However, authoritarian is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations, while autocratic is more commonly used in formal settings.
