Learning English Vocabulary through the Suffixes '-arch' and '-cracy'

Learning vocabulary is essential for every second language learner. Students appearing for various entrance exams like the TOEFL and GMAT also continually strive to better their vocabulary. Learning and memorizing vocabulary from a list of unrelated words is a monotonous job. Vocabulary is instead best learned through different topics. Approaching vocabulary through topics increases retention and recollection of the right word at the right time for the right concept. In this article, we concentrate on two English suffixes: ‘-arch’ and ‘-cracy’

Let us first try to understand what a suffix is. A suffix is a group of letters that are attached to the end of another word. The word changes its meaning when a suffix is attached to it. For example, if the suffix ‘-ful’ is attached to the word ‘harm’ the new word that emerges is ‘harmful.' The word harm can be used as a verb and a noun. When the suffix ‘-ful’ is attached to the same, it becomes an adjective.

The suffix ‘-arch’ is derived from from the words ‘-arkhia’ meaning ‘rule, rulership,’ ‘arkhos’ meaning ‘leader, chief,’ ‘arkhe’ meaning ‘beginning, origin,' and 'archein' meaning 'to lead, rule.'

The suffix ‘-cracy’ is derived from the roots ‘-kratia’ meaning ‘power or rule,’ and ‘kratos’ meaning ‘strength or power.’ Both of the suffixes are of Greek origin. Let us look at words using the above suffixes.

1. Anarchy (noun): The word anarchy means 'lack of a leader.' The word can be broken down to 'an'+ '-archy' (arkhos). The prefix 'an-' means 'without' and 'arkhos' means leader and hence the meaning 'lack of a leader'. Usage: There is complete anarchy in that country at the present time. Other related words: anarchist (noun), anarchic (adjective), anarchies (plural noun).

2. Androcracy (noun): The word androcracy means 'government by men.' It is also used as a term for 'domination of society men.' The word is formed by combining 'andros' with '-cracy'. Andros is the Greek root meaning 'man' and '-cracy' meaning 'rule'. Usage: It took a long time for women to break the convention of androcracy. Other related words: androcratic (adjective).

3. Aristocracy (noun): 'Government by the nobility, privileged class' is known as aristocracy. The word can be broken down into 'aristos' + '-cracy'. 'Aristos' is the superlative form of 'arete' meaning 'that which is good.' Aristocracy is the rule of the best. Usage: The rise of popular governments has lead to decline of aristocracy. Other related words: aristocratic (adjective), aristocrat (noun), aristocracies (plural noun).

4. Autocracy (noun): 'Absolute government by one person' is known as autocracy. It is also used to mean 'self-sustained power.' The term was used for the first time for Napoleon. The word can be broken as 'autos' + '-kratia' meaning 'self' and 'rule' respectively. Usage: Autocracy was the dominant doctrine followed by the Russian Czars. Other related words: autocratic (adjective), autocrat (noun), autocracies (plural noun).

5. Bureaucracy (noun): A 'government by civil servants, administrators' is known as bureaucracy. It is identified by excessive power in the hands of administrators. The term can be broken as 'bureau' + '-kratia.' 'Bureau' means 'office' or 'desk' and '-kratia' means 'power.' Literally, it means 'power of the office.' Usage: Bureaucracy is a necessary evil in every administration. Other related words: bureaucratic (adjective), bureaucrat (noun), bureaucracies (plural noun), bureaucratist (noun), bureaucratically (adverb).

6. Democracy (noun): A 'government by the people' is known as democracy. This kind of government is based on equal rights and privileges. The word can derived by combining 'demotic' with '-kratos.' 'Demotic' means 'common people' and, as discussed earlier, '-kratos' stands for 'rule, power.' Literally, it means 'power of the common people.' Usage: India is the largest democracy in the world. Other related words: democrat (noun), democratic (adjective), democratically (adverb), democracies (plural noun).

7. Hierarchy (noun): Hierarchy is a system wherein persons or things are ranked one above the other. It means 'ranked organization of persons or things.' The word can be broken down into 'hieros' meaning 'sacred' and '-archein' meaning 'to lead, rule.' Hierarchy literally means 'rule of a high priest.' Usage: Hierarchy is very common in religious orders. Other related words: hierarch (noun), hieratic (adjective), hieratically (adverb), hieratical (adjective).

8. Matriarchy (noun): Matriarchy is 'a family, society, community, or a state governed by women.' In this form of society, the mother is the head of the family and the children are considered as descendants of the mother's clan. The word can be broken down to 'matri' meaning 'mother' and '-arkhe' meaning 'origin, beginning.' Usage: Matriarchy is followed in certain tribes of East India. Other related words: matriarch (noun), matriarchal (adjective), matriarchic (adjective), matriarchies (plural noun).

9. Monarchy (noun): Monarchy is a form of government wherein 'supreme power or sovereignty is held by a single person.' The person to whom power is given is known as the monarch. The word is formed by joining 'monos' meaning 'alone' with '-arkhein' meaning 'to rule.' Usage: England follows the constitutional monarchy form of government. Other related words: monarchies (plural noun), monarchist (noun, adjective) monarch (noun).

10. Oligarchy (noun): Oligarchy is a form of government in which the power is in the hands of a dominant class. It is 'government by the few.' The word is derived by combining 'oligoi' meaning 'few, small' with '-arkhein' meaning 'to rule.' Usage: Afghanistan is an oligarchic society. Other related words: oligarchical (adjective), oligarichically (adverb), oligarchies (plural noun), oligarchist (adjective).

11. Patriarchy (noun): A 'government by men or fathers' is known as patriarchy. It is the opposite of matriarchy. The father is the supreme authority in societies based on this pattern. The word is formed by joining 'pater' meaning 'father' and '-archein' meaning 'to rule.' Usage: Patriarchal societies are more prevalent than matriarchal societies. Other related words: patriarch (noun), patriarchies (plural noun), patriarchship (noun).

12. Plutocracy (noun): 'Government by the wealthy' is known as Plutocracy. It is a government in which the wealthy class rules. The word is formed by combining 'plutos' meaning 'wealth' and '-kratia' meaning 'rule, power' as discussed earlier. Usage: The U.S. is predominantly a plutocracy run by the corporations. Other related words: plutocrat (noun), plutocratic (adjective), plutocratical (adjective).

13. Theocracy: Theocracy is a form of government formed 'by priests or by religious law.' The laws laid down by god are considered supreme in this set up. The word is derived from 'theos' meaning God combined with '-kratos' meaning 'strength.' Usage: The state of Iran has experienced a theocratic form of government under Ayattolah Khomeini. Other related words: plutocracies (plural noun), plutocrat (noun), plutocratic (adjective).

Through these suffixes we have learned the names of different forms governments that have been and are prevalent in the various countries of the world. The list can be really long, but only the main ones were discussed. All were formed using the suffixes '-arch' and '-cracy.'

The exercise 'Working with Suffixes '-arch' & '-cracy' is available for download.

References

• http://www.etymonline.com
• http://dictionary.reference.com