Definition

A system of governance where five leaders or governments share power and rule together.

Example

The pentarchy was established to ensure that no single ruler could dominate the others.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a pentarchy?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's a term for a government run by five leaders or states.

Interesting! That sounds like a complex system.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pentarchy → It is formed from "penta-" (from Greek "pente", meaning five) and "archia" (from Greek "archē", meaning rule or government). The word refers to a government or rule by five leaders or authorities.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'penta-' meaning five, and 'archia' meaning rule — this helps you remember that a pentarchy is a rule by five.

Visually Confused Words