What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
autocracy
Example
The country is ruled by an autocracy, with the leader making all the decisions. [autocracy: noun]
Example
Under autocratic rule, the citizens have limited freedom and rights. [autocratic: adjective]
totalitarianism
Example
During the era of totalitarianism, citizens had to conform to the government's ideology or face severe consequences. [totalitarianism: noun]
Example
The regime used propaganda to maintain its control over the population. [totalitarian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Autocracy is a more commonly used term than totalitarianism in everyday language. Autocracy is often used to describe governments with a single ruler, while totalitarianism is a more specific term that emerged in the 20th century to describe regimes that exerted complete control over all aspects of people's lives.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between autocracy and totalitarianism?
Both autocracy and totalitarianism are formal terms, commonly used in academic and political contexts. However, totalitarianism is more specific and associated with a higher level of control and repression, making it slightly more formal than autocracy.
