Spanish Conversation · Level 43
73 words
Spanish word
despótico
Pronunciation
IPA/desˈpotiko/
Meaning
- adjectivetyrannical
Example
Mi jefe es despótico y toma decisiones sin preguntar.
My boss is tyrannical and makes decisions without asking.
More examples
El cliente criticó el comentario despótico que recibió del dependiente.
The customer criticized the tyrannical comment he received from the shop assistant.
Core concept
A leader who enforces strict control and overrides others' freedom.
Common phrases
comentario despótico
tyrannical comment
respuesta despótica
tyrannical reply
Similar words
autoritario: Enforces strict rules and commands to secure obedience.
abusivo: Uses power unfairly to harm or take advantage of others.
dominante: Exerts dominant behavior to suppress or control others.
opresivo: Applies heavy pressure or burdens that restrict freedom and comfort.
Definition in Spanish
Que actúa de forma tiránica u opresiva, controlando a otros y sin respetar su libertad o sus opiniones.
Word origin
Spanish despótico comes from Greek δεσποτικός (from δεσπότης 'master') via Latin despoticus, and the sense shifted from 'master' to oppressive, absolute rule.
Usage tips
- Despótico carries a strong, condemnatory tone in Spanish, so in polite or factual contexts prefer milder alternatives like autoritario or describe the concrete actions instead.
Other meanings
- autocraticadjective
- dictatorialadjective
Opposites
- respetuosorespectfuladjective
- tolerantetolerantadjective
Related words
- despóticamentetyrannicallyadverb