claim: Aristocracy is derived from the Greek word for "rule of the best".
evidence: Aristocracy -LRB- Greek αριστοκρατια aristokratia , from αριστος aristos `` excellent , '' and κρατος kratos `` power '' -RRB- is a form of government that places power in the hands of a small , privileged ruling class .. Greek. Greek language. power. Power ( social and political ). form of government. form of government. ruling class. ruling class. The term derives from the Greek aristokratia , meaning `` rule of the best '' .. Greek. Greek language. At the time of the word 's origins in Ancient Greece , the Greeks conceived it as rule by the best qualified citizens -- and often contrasted it favourably with monarchy , rule by an individual .. Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece. monarchy. monarchy. In later times , aristocracy was usually seen as rule by a privileged group , the aristocratic class , and was contrasted with democracy .. aristocratic class. Aristocracy ( class ). democracy. democracy