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Meaning & use

politics

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈpɒlətɪks/
US/ˈpɑːlətɪks/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The work and arguments involved in running a country or community, including competing for power and deciding policy.

    Grammar: Usually singular in verb agreement: politics is a rough game.

    Patterns

    • go into politics
    • talk politics

    She entered politics after years as a lawyer.

    Politics is a topic we avoid at family dinners.

    He follows local politics closely.

  2. nounplural

    A person's set of beliefs about how society should be run.

    Grammar: Often plural in this sense: her politics are liberal.

    Patterns

    • someone's politics

    Her politics are left of center.

    I disagree with his politics but like him.

    Their politics shaped how they voted.

  3. noununcountableinformal

    Tactical maneuvering for status or advantage in an organization.

    Grammar: Often 'office politics'.

    Patterns

    • play politics

    I'm tired of the office politics at work.

    The promotion was decided by politics, not merit.

    Don't play politics with people's jobs.

  4. noununcountable

    The academic study of government and power.

    Grammar: Often a subject name.

    Patterns

    • study politics

    He studied politics at university.

    She teaches politics and history.

    Politics is a popular degree subject.

Common combinations

office politics
Office politics wore her down.
party politics
Party politics dominated the debate.
local politics
She is active in local politics.
go into politics
He decided to go into politics.
play politics
Don't play politics with this issue.
identity politics
The book discusses identity politics.

Synonyms and how they differ

government
Government is the group or system in power, while politics is the activity and contest around it.
statecraft
Statecraft is a formal word for skill in running a state.
policy
Policy is a specific plan, while politics is the wider process.
public affairs
Public affairs is a neutral term for civic matters.

Word family

political adjective
relating to politics
politician noun
a person who works in politics
politically adverb
in a way relating to politics
politicize verb
to make something political
apolitical adjective
not interested in politics

Commonly confused: politics or policy? politics or polity?

politics vs policy

A policy is a particular plan or rule. Politics is the activity of seeking and using power.

politics vs polity

A polity is a politically organized society, a more formal and rare word.

Practice

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