Words don't have to be used literally. Everyone knew exactly what the original poster meant by democracy. Well-actually'ing on obvious things like this is just tiresome.
It is pedantry of the worst sort: derails the discussion without adding anything of substance to it.
It's not a trivial distinction. A republic protects the _inalienable_ rights of the minority. It's not up to anyone. It's the reason a creator is valuable to even atheists.