demagogue
/ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/
Meanings
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noun
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
- "The demagogue used emotional appeals to win the election."
- "Despite his demagogic tactics, the politician managed to gain a large following."
Pronunciation
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/ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/
Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89232808"
Variants
List of all variants of demagogue that leads to same resultdemagog , demagogies , demagogs , demagogue , demagogueries , demagoguery , demagogues , demagogy , demagoged , demagoging , demagogued , demagoguing
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.From the Greek word demagogos, meaning 'leader of the people'.
Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word-
The term 'demagogue' has often been used as a pejorative term, implying that the person is manipulating the masses for their own gain.
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The term 'demagogue' is not necessarily a negative term in all contexts, and some political leaders have been successful in using popular appeals to bring about positive change.
Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to-
Populism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and values of ordinary people, often using emotional appeals and opposition to established elites.
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Political rhetoric: The use of language and persuasive techniques to influence public opinion and gain support for political causes.
Quotes
Quotes by authors and personalities-
Like other good Whigs, they had assumed that the people, once free of English influence, would honor and elevate the country's true patriots and natural aristocracy in ways that the English Crown had not. But when in the decades following the Revolution the people seemed to succumb to the deceit and flattery of mushroom "demagogues", who were the popular counterparts of courtiers, the Federalists became bewildered and bitter.
- Gordon S. Wood,{it}Revolutionary Characters{/it},2006 -
Before the U.S. could begin to help Haiti rebuild its ravaged democracy last week, it first had to remove a raving "demagogue".
- Tim Padgett et al.,{it}Time{/it},15 Mar. 2004 -
Here's the background: Tennessee's finances are a mess. The state is facing a shortfall of some $310 million—but legislators remember what happened last year when they considered imposing the first income tax on wages. Goaded by talk-radio "demagogues", hundreds of citizens surrounded the Statehouse in a near riot.
- {it}Editor & Publisher{/it},4 Feb. 2002
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.In literature, the term 'demagogue' has been used to describe characters who manipulate the masses for their own gain, such as in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' and Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America'.
How to Memorize "demagogue"
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visualize
- Visualize a political leader addressing a large crowd, making emotional appeals and stirring up the masses.
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associate
- Associate the word 'demagogue' with the image of a charismatic but manipulative leader.
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mnemonics
- Remember the Greek origin of the word: 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'agogos' meaning 'leader'.
🧠 Bonus Tips
To help you remember the word 'demagogue', follow these practical tricks with steps:
1. Rhyming Trick: Associate the word 'demagogue' with a phrase that rhymes with it, such as 'a crowd's ego'. This creates a memorable association that can help you recall the word later.
2. Visual Trick: Imagine a demagogue as a puppet master, manipulating a crowd with their words and actions. This visual image can help you remember the meaning of the word.
3. Breakdown Trick: Break down the word 'demagogue' into its root words 'demo' (meaning people) and 'agogy' (meaning leading). This can help you remember that a demagogue is a leader who manipulates the masses for their own gain.
4. Association Trick: Associate the word 'demagogue' with a historical figure or public personality who is known for their demagogic behavior. This can help you remember the meaning of the word in context.
5. Repetition Trick: Repeat the word 'demagogue' to yourself several times, focusing on its sound and spelling. This can help you commit the word to memory, so that you can recall it more easily in the future.
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Highlighting:
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