PhrasesHub

The fifth estate

    Definitions

      • an influential group outside the traditional four estates of government
        Refers to a powerful and influential group or entity that has significant impact on society or politics, usually in the context of media or journalism

      • societal watchdog
        Describes the role of the media as a check on the government and other powerful institutions, highlighting their ability to hold those in power accountable

    Examples of The fifth estate

    • The media's investigation into the politician's financial records shed light on their questionable dealings, holding them accountable through the power of the fifth estate.

      In this example, the "fifth estate" refers to the role that the media plays in society as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable for their actions. Just as the first estate (the Church), second estate (the Nobility), third estate (the Common People), and fourth estate (the Legislative Body) have their traditional roles, the media has taken on the responsibility of holding the powerful accountable, making them the "fifth estate."

    • The leaked documents revealed the truth behind the secretive organization, thanks to the actions of the fifth estate.

      Similar to the previous example, this instance of the "fifth estate" idiom is being used to describe the power and influence that the media has in holding organizations and individuals accountable for their actions. Here, the media is given credit for exposing the truth behind a secretive organization through their reporting and investigation.

    • Many argue that the power of the fifth estate has grown too strong, as evidenced by the public's increasing mistrust of the media.

      In this example, the "fifth estate" idiom is used to describe the increasing influence that the media has gained in modern society. Some argue that this influence has become too great, leading to growing mistrust and criticism of the media's role in society.

    • The traditional roles of the first, second, and third estates have lost their relevance in modern society, but the power of the fourth and fifth estates continues to grow.

      This example is using the "fifth estate" idiom to draw parallels between the traditional roles of the first, second, and third estates, and the modern roles of the fourth and fifth estates. While the traditional roles of the first, second, and third estates have become less relevant in contemporary society, the roles of the media and the legislative body continue to grow in importance. This highlights the continuing significance of the "fifth estate" in modern society.

    • The investigative journalists have become the fifth estate, uncovering corruption and holding the powerful accountable.

      The "fifth estate" refers to the role of the media as a watchdog on government and powerful institutions. In a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom or a constitutional republic like the United States, the traditional "estates" or branches of government are the monarch or president, the legislative body, the executive branch, and the judiciary. The media, traditionally made up of newspapers, magazines, and television news, have long been seen as a check on the power of these institutions, and this metaphorical designation as the "fifth estate" reflects its role in informing the public and exposing corruption.

    • The media's role as the fifth estate is not just about uncovering wrongdoing, but also about keeping the public informed and promoting transparency in government.

      This example shows how the media's role is more encompassing than just exposing wrongdoing. "Keeping the public informed" refers to the media's role in providing accurate and timely information to the public about issues that matter to them. "Promoting transparency" means that the media informs the public about how decisions are being made in government and other institutions, making them more accountable to the people they serve.

    • In today's age of fake news and political polarization, the role of the fifth estate has become more critical than ever.

      This example highlights the importance of the media in an era of disinformation and political division. "Fake news" refers to false or misleading information spread online, often with political motives. The media, therefore, has a crucial role in distinguishing fact from fiction and preventing the spread of disinformation. "Political polarization" refers to the increasing political divide between people with opposing political views. The media's role is to ensure that all sides of an issue are represented fairly and accurately, helping people make informed decisions.

    • The power of the media as the fifth estate is not limited to exposing wrongdoing and holding the powerful accountable, but also extends to shaping public opinion and shaping the way we think about issues.

      This example shows how the media affects not just what people think but also how they think. "Shaping public opinion" refers to the media's role in influencing people's beliefs and attitudes about issues through its reporting and analysis. The media's influence on public opinion can help to shape the way we think about issues and how we respond to them, making it a critical part of the democratic process.


    Conclusion

    "The fifth estate" can be used to refer to both the media as a powerful societal force and as a watchdog that acts as a check on those in power. It emphasizes the influence and impact of the media on society and politics, highlighting their ability to shape public opinion and hold powerful institutions accountable.

    Origin of "The fifth estate"

    The term "the fifth estate" originated as a play on the traditional "estates of the realm," which historically referred to the three divisions of the feudal society—clergy, nobility, and commoners—along with the press, which was later added as the fourth estate. The concept of the fifth estate emerged as a way to recognize the growing influence of the media and other non-traditional power structures in society.

    The phrase gained further popularity in the 20th century as the media's role in shaping public opinion and holding power to account became increasingly evident. It is often used to emphasize the significant impact of the media on politics and society, highlighting their ability to influence public discourse and hold those in power accountable.