hegemony
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “hegemony” mean?
noun.leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing politics, sociology, or international relations. It emphasizes the exertion of influence and control by a dominant entity, highlighting power dynamics rather than mere authority, and differs from "authority" by suggesting a more systemic and often coercive dominance over others.
Common Confusions
Hegemony implies systemic and often coercive dominance by one group over others, while authority usually suggests legitimate power or control granted to an individual or institution without the implication of oppressive influence.
Do not choose hegemony if the context emphasizes equality or shared power rather than leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
Example Sentences
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The empire maintained hegemony over the entire region.