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tetrarchy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈtɛtrɑːrki/

KK: /ˈtɛtrɑrki/

noun
Definition

A system of government where four leaders share power and rule together.


Example

The Roman Empire was divided into a tetrarchy to improve administration and governance.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term tetrarchy?
Sloth B
Yeah, I learned about it in history class!
Sloth A
It's interesting how it refers to joint rule by four governors.
Sloth B
Exactly! It must have been quite a challenge to manage that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
quadrant
quartet
quadruple
Antonyms
monarchy
oligarchy
dictatorship
Root Explanation

Tetrarchy → It is formed from "tetra-" (from Greek "tettares", meaning four) and "archia" (from Greek "archē", meaning rule or government). The word refers to a system of government where four individuals share power.

Memory Tip

Think of 'four' ('tetra-') rulers sharing control ('archia') — that's what tetrarchy means.

Visually Confused Words
trierarchy
triarchy
thearchy
tetchy
teachy
protetrarch
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