theocratic influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theocratic influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the impact or control of religious leaders or institutions over political or social matters. Example: "The theocratic influence in the region has shaped its laws and governance, often prioritizing religious doctrine over secular principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We only need to look to Iran and Saudi Arabia to understand the dangers of excessive theocratic influence on secular society.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the attempt by some to expose and uproot the ideological and theocratic influences used to justify attacks was suppressed by the religious establishment, which helped the Saud family consolidate its rule when the kingdom was founded more than 70 years ago.

The New York Times

In Egypt, the fact that building a Christian church requires leave from the head of state is a direct legacy of a (liberalising) Ottoman decree of 1856.Tactical manoeuvresBut the Ottoman empire is by no means the only semi-theocratic realm whose influence is still palpable in the governance of religious affairs, including conversion.

The Economist

They remained a family, and I credit them for privately demonstrating tolerance in a way that should influence the most theocratic corners of the nation.

Huffington Post

Yet the GOP remains in disarray about Peroutka's candidacy, which provides a bellwether for theocratic groups seeking to leverage national influence by running for local office.

HuffPost

Gathering and hunting, little pockets of alterity, too, but most of all in the level Billy had come to live in a tilework of fiefdoms, theocratic duchies, zones and spheres of influences, over each of which some local despot, some criminal pope, sat watch.

The New York Times

"If you want to understand Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry," argues Michelle Goldberg in Newsweek/Daily Beast, "understanding Dominionism isn't optional". A recent New Yorker profile by Ryan Lizza contends that Bachmann has been influenced by a variety of theocratic thinkers who have preached Christian holy war.

The Washington Post

Iraqi Shiites historically have chafed at Iran's influence and refused to import the theocratic-style rule of their neighbor.

Los Angeles Times

He said Iraq's Kurds could no longer tolerate living in a "theocratic, sectarian state," a reference to Iran's considerable influence on Mr. Abadi's government, which is dominated by Shiite Muslims.

The New York Times

The Americans must also wade through tribal rivalries and wrestle with the influence of Iran, which is presumed to favor a theocratic future for Iraq.

The New York Times

If Syria fell, it would mark a striking setback for the theocratic regime in Tehran, which has depended on Syria for its influence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and elsewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theocratic influence", ensure the context clearly establishes which religious doctrines or institutions are exerting the influence and on what specific aspects of society or governance.

Common error

Do not use "theocratic influence" vaguely. Always specify the religion or religious body and the specific area (politics, law, culture) being influenced to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theocratic influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the power or impact that religious rule has on secular or societal issues. Ludwig's examples, though limited, consistently show it used to describe a specific type of influence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theocratic influence" refers to the impact of religious doctrine on secular matters. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare. It commonly appears in news and encyclopedic contexts, denoting a formal or neutral register. When using the phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify the religion and area of influence to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "religious sway" or "clerical influence" can be used to convey similar meanings, each with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theocratic power

Emphasizes the power that stems from a theocratic system.

religious impact

A more general term indicating the effect of religion on something.

religious sway

Focuses more generally on the power or control exerted by religion.

clerical influence

Emphasizes the impact of the clergy on social or political matters.

ecclesiastical authority

Specifically highlights the formal power held by a church or its leaders.

religious control

Highlights the restrictive aspect of religious power over individuals or society.

the church's power

Highlights the direct power of the church over secular matters.

faith-based influence

A broader term encompassing influence derived from religious beliefs and values.

divine authority

Focuses on the power derived from religious belief.

dogmatic influence

Focuses on how religious dogma impacts areas such as policies.

FAQs

How can "theocratic influence" affect a society?

Theocratic influence can shape laws, governance, and cultural norms based on religious doctrines. It can lead to policies that prioritize religious beliefs over secular principles, impacting individual freedoms and societal values.

What is the difference between "religious influence" and "theocratic influence"?

"Religious influence" is a broader term referring to the general impact of religion on society. "Theocratic influence" specifically describes the control or impact of religious leaders or institutions on political and legal systems, often in a way that aligns with religious law.

What are some examples of countries with significant "theocratic influence"?

Historically and currently, Iran and Vatican City are often cited as examples of nations where religious authorities exert considerable "theocratic influence" over governance and legal matters. Other countries may exhibit varying degrees of such influence.

What are some potential synonyms for "theocratic influence"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "religious sway", "ecclesiastical authority", or "clerical influence" to convey similar meanings.