What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hagiocracy
Example
The country was ruled by a hagiocracy, with religious leaders holding all the power. [hagiocracy: noun]
Example
The hagiocracy was criticized for its lack of separation between church and state. [hagiocracy: noun]
theocracy
Example
Iran is an example of a modern-day theocracy, where religious leaders hold significant political power. [theocracy: noun]
Example
The Puritan society in colonial America was a theocracy, with religious laws dictating daily life. [theocracy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theocracy is a more commonly used term than hagiocracy in everyday language. Theocracy is a well-known concept and has been used to describe various historical and modern-day governments, while hagiocracy is a less common term that may not be familiar to many English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hagiocracy and theocracy?
Both hagiocracy and theocracy are formal terms that are typically used in academic or political contexts. However, theocracy is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
