oligarchia

oligarchy

noun oh-lee-GAR-kyah Rare

Origin: From Greek oligoi (few) + arche (rule)

Usage Note

Oligarchia describes rule by a small group of powerful individuals. The adjective is oligarchico. In Italian political commentary it is often used to criticise concentration of power in economic or media elites.

Examples

"Il paese era governato da una ristretta oligarchia."

Natural Translation

The country was governed by a narrow oligarchy.

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