Crático

Crático is a linguistic suffix derived from the ancient Greek word κρατία (kratia), meaning “rule” or “power.” It is attached to a stem to denote a form of governance or authority exercised by a particular group, principle, or institution. In political science and related discourse, the suffix appears in terms such as “democratic” (rule by the people), “aristocratic” (rule by the aristocracy), “technocratic” (rule by technical experts), and “bureaucratic” (rule by bureaucratic administration). The construction is productive in many modern languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, where it functions both analytically and as part of coined neologisms for emerging forms of governance.

Etymologically, kratos entered Latin as ‑cratia, which later evolved into the Romance‑language forms ‑crático (Spanish, Portuguese) and ‑cratique (French). The suffix conveys a neutral description of the organizing principle of power without implying a value judgment; however, its use in political rhetoric often carries connotations depending on the perceived legitimacy of the governing group.

Contemporary scholarship employs “‑crático” constructions to analyze hybrid regimes, such as “neocorporatist‑crático” models that blend corporate interests with state authority. Critics argue that the proliferation of such terms can obscure substantive differences between governance structures, while proponents claim they provide precise, concise labels for complex political arrangements.