Authoritarian vs. Dictator — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 27, 2023
Authoritarian refers to a system of governance with centralized authority, while a dictator is an individual who holds and exercises absolute power, often forcefully.
Difference Between Authoritarian and Dictator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Authoritarianism is a political system in which power is centralized, often at the expense of individual freedoms. It emphasizes strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. Dictatorship, on the other hand, is a form of authoritarianism where power is held and exercised by a single individual, the dictator. While all dictatorships are authoritarian, not all authoritarian regimes are dictatorships.
The word "authoritarian" can also be used in a broader sense, describing attitudes or behaviors. For instance, an authoritarian parent may enforce strict rules and demand blind obedience. A dictator, in its precise political sense, always refers to a person who holds unbridled power in a nation, often acquired and maintained by force.
Authoritarian systems may still have a framework where power is supposedly divided, albeit with one group or entity wielding dominant control. In contrast, a dictator typically consolidates power around their person, diminishing or eliminating any checks and balances. While the outcomes for citizens can be similar under both systems - reduced freedoms, censorship, potential for abuse - the methods and structures differ.
In essence, "authoritarian" refers to a characteristic of governance, while "dictator" denotes a specific individual in power. It's possible to have an authoritarian government without a singular dictator, but a dictatorship inherently possesses authoritarian traits.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Describes a system or behavior.
Refers to an individual leader.
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Scope
Can exist without a single dominant leader.
Inherently implies one dominant leader.
Acquisition of Power
Power may be acquired through various means.
Often acquires power forcefully or without the genuine consent of the governed.
Usage in non-political contexts
Can describe behaviors, e.g., parenting styles.
Primarily used in a political context.
Associated Structures
May have institutions in place, though weakened.
Often centralizes institutions around the individual.
Compare with Definitions
Authoritarian
Authoritarian: Demanding compliance without questioning.
The teacher's authoritarian manner stifled creativity.
Dictator
An individual with absolute governmental power.
The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
Authoritarian
Authoritarian: Describes centralized power and limited freedoms.
The government's authoritarian stance silenced critics.
Dictator
A person exercising authority tyrannically.
His reign as a dictator was marked by countless atrocities.
Authoritarian
Authoritarian: A system emphasizing strict obedience to authority.
The company's authoritarian structure left no room for debate.
Dictator
One who dictates or commands without opposition.
She was often called the dictator of the boardroom due to her style.
Authoritarian
Authoritarian: Supporting a concentration of power.
The new policies seemed overly authoritarian to many.
Dictator
A leader with unchecked authority in governance.
History is rife with stories of dictators who started as heroes.
Authoritarian
Authoritarian: Relating to or favoring absolute obedience.
His authoritarian approach was often seen as overbearing.
Dictator
An absolute ruler.
Authoritarian
Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom
An authoritarian regime.
Dictator
A tyrant; a despot.
Authoritarian
Tending to tell other people what to do in a peremptory or arrogant manner.
Dictator
An ancient Roman magistrate appointed temporarily to deal with an immediate crisis or emergency.
Authoritarian
Of, or relating to, or exhibiting strict obedience to an authority; favoring authoritarianism over civic and individual liberties.
The authoritarian personality
Dictator
One who dictates
These initials are those of the dictator of the letter.
Authoritarian
Demanding obedience to authority; marked by authoritarianism; dictatorial, tyrannical.
The authoritarian government was demanding stricter laws for low-wage peasants.
Dictator
A totalitarian leader of a country, nation, or government.
Authoritarian
Tending to impose one's demands upon others as if one were an authority.
Dictator
(history) A magistrate without colleague in republican Ancient Rome, who held full executive authority for a term granted by the senate (legislature), typically to conduct a war.
Authoritarian
One who commands absolute obedience to his or her authority.
The dictator was an authoritarian.
Dictator
A tyrannical boss or authority figure.
Authoritarian
One who follows and is excessively obedient to authority.
Dictator
A person who dictates text (e.g. letters to a clerk).
Authoritarian
Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; - of governments or rulers; as, an authoritarian regime
Dictator
One who dictates; one who prescribes rules and maxims authoritatively for the direction of others.
Authoritarian
Expecting unquestioning obedience: "he was imperious and dictatorial"; "the timid child of authoritarian parents"; "insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter"
Dictator
One invested with absolute authority; especially, a magistrate created in times of exigence and distress, and invested with unlimited power.
Invested with the authority of a dictator, nay, of a pope, over our language.
Authoritarian
Behaves like a tyrant.
Dictator
A speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine
Authoritarian
A person behaves in an tyrannical manner;
My boss is a dictator who makes everyone work overtime
Dictator
A ruler who is unconstrained by law
Authoritarian
Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty;
An authoritarian regime
Autocratic government
Despotic rulers
A dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war
A tyrannical government
Dictator
A person behaves in an tyrannical manner;
My boss is a dictator who makes everyone work overtime
Authoritarian
Likened to a dictator in severity
Dictator
A ruler who governs without consent of the governed.
The people lived in fear under the brutal dictator.
Authoritarian
Expecting unquestioning obedience;
He was imperious and dictatorial
The timid child of authoritarian parents
Insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter
Common Curiosities
Is "authoritarian" only used in political contexts?
No, it can also describe behaviors, like in parenting or management styles.
Can an authoritarian regime have elections?
Yes, but these elections might not be free or fair.
Are all dictatorships authoritarian?
Yes, all dictatorships are forms of authoritarianism.
Are there benevolent dictators?
Some argue certain dictators have had positive impacts, but the term often carries negative connotations.
Do dictators always come to power by force?
Not always, but they often acquire or maintain power without genuine consent.
Can a nation be authoritarian without a dictator?
Yes, a nation can be authoritarian without a singular dictator in charge.
Is every authoritarian figure in a society a dictator?
No, one can exhibit authoritarian behavior without being a political dictator.
Do all authoritarians suppress freedom of speech?
Most authoritarian systems limit freedoms, often including freedom of speech.
Can companies or institutions be authoritarian?
Yes, they can have authoritarian structures or leadership styles.
How long can a dictator stay in power?
The duration varies; some dictators rule for decades while others for only a few years.
Is dictatorship the strictest form of authoritarianism?
Typically, yes, as power is often highly centralized in one person.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
