What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plutocracy
Example
The country's government is often accused of being a plutocracy, with the wealthy elite controlling all the major decisions. [plutocracy: noun]
Example
The billionaire businessman used his wealth to gain political power and create a plutocratic system that favored the rich. [plutocratic: adjective]
oligarchy
Example
The country's government is often accused of being an oligarchy, with a small group of powerful families controlling all the major decisions. [oligarchy: noun]
Example
The ruling party has created an oligarchic system that benefits only a select few at the expense of the rest of the population. [oligarchic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oligarchy is more commonly used than plutocracy in everyday language. Oligarchy is a more general term that can be applied to various forms of government and power structures, while plutocracy is a more specific term that refers to a system based on wealth and money.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plutocracy and oligarchy?
Both plutocracy and oligarchy are formal terms that are typically used in academic or political contexts. However, oligarchy may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
