The word "technocrat" is a modern formation, coined in the early 20th century from the Greek-derived elements "techno-" and "-crat." Its core logic is the rule (-kratēs) by technical skill (tekhnē). The ancient Greek tekhnē broadly encompassed art, craft, and systematic knowledge, which evolved into the modern sense of "technology." The suffix -kratēs denotes a person who holds power or advocates for a specific governing principle. Thus, a technocrat literally embodies the concept of governance by technical experts, reflecting a belief system where administrative and industrial efficiency, managed by engineers and scientists, is prioritized over traditional political ideology.

Structure: techno (skill, craft) + crat (ruler, supporter) techno: From Greek tekhnē (art, craft, skill). In this word, it functions as a combining form meaning "technical" or "technological." crat: From Greek -kratēs (ruler, power). In this word, it functions as a combining form meaning "a person who advocates or exercises a particular form of power or rule."