demokraat

Demokraat is a term used in several languages to denote a person who supports democracy or advocates democratic governance. In Estonian, the standard form is demokraat, and the word refers to an adherent of democratic principles and institutions, as well as to politicians or activists who defend civil liberties, free elections, the rule of law, and pluralism. The plural is demokraadid, and the related adjective is demokraatlik, meaning democratic.

Etymology and scope: The root comes from Greek demos, "the people," and kratos, "power." The word gained political sense with the rise of modern democratic movements in Europe and elsewhere, and in contemporary use it generally describes a commitment to democratic processes rather than allegiance to a particular party.

Usage: In media and political discourse, demokraat is used descriptively to describe supporters of democratic governance. Depending on context, it may label broadly liberal or reformist actors, or distinguish democrats from autocrats or anti-democrats. The term is not inherently tied to a single party, and its precise connotations vary by country and historical period.

Cognates exist in related languages with similar meanings, often bearing different spellings, reflecting the widespread use of a term that centers on the principle of rule by the people.