Policy: meaning, definitions and examples

📜

Add to dictionary

policy

[ˈpɒlɪsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

government

A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual.

Synonyms

approach, plan, strategy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
policy	Use in official contexts, especially in governments, organizations, or companies to describe rules or guidelines. The company's privacy policy ensures that customer data is protected. Government policy on education has changed this year.
strategy	Ideal for discussing overarching or long-term actions, often involved in competitive contexts such as business, military, or games. Our strategy involves entering new markets across Europe. The manager outlined the team's strategy for winning the championship.
approach	Useful when talking about methods or ways of dealing with a task or problem, more flexible and personal than 'policy'. Her approach to teaching math makes the subject more enjoyable. We need to change our approach to customer service.
plan	Best used when outlining specific steps or actions designed to achieve a goal, especially for the future. They have a five-year plan to expand the business. Our plan for the weekend is to go hiking.

Examples of usage

The new government introduced a strict immigration policy.
The company has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment.
She disagreed with the company's policy on remote work.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

company

A written contract of insurance.

Synonyms

coverage, insurance, protection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
policy	This term is used when referring to a document detailing the terms and conditions of insurance or any set of guidelines or rules. She reviewed the policy carefully before signing the contract. Company policy requires employees to clock in by 9 AM.
insurance	This word is used to describe a system of protection against loss, usually in the form of a financial arrangement. You should get car insurance to cover any potential accidents. Health insurance is important for managing unexpected medical expenses.
coverage	This term is typically used when discussing the extent or range of protection provided by an insurance policy or similar arrangements. Does this insurance plan offer comprehensive coverage? The warranty provides coverage for three years.
protection	This term is broader and can refer to any measure taken to guard against damage, loss, or harm. It is not confined to financial contexts. Wear a helmet for protection while riding a bike. The vaccine provides protection against several diseases.

Examples of usage

He took out a comprehensive policy on his car.
The homeowner's policy covered damage from the storm.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

law

A contract of insurance.

Synonyms

agreement, bond, contract.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
policy	Use when referring to principles or rules used to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes, typically in an organizational or governmental context. The company's policy on remote work has changed recently. The new government policy aims to reduce carbon emissions.
agreement	Appropriate for situations where parties have mutually decided on terms for cooperation or resolution, often informal or preliminary. They reached an agreement on how to share the profits. The agreement between the two companies was finalized last week.
contract	Utilize when referring to a formal and legally binding agreement between parties, often used in business or employment contexts. The employee signed a two-year employment contract. The contractor was hired to complete the building project under a strict contract.
bond	Best used in contexts related to finance and investment, or to describe a strong connection between people. He invested in treasury bonds to secure his future. Their friendship formed a strong bond over the years.

Examples of usage

The policyholder must pay the premiums to keep the policy in force.
The policy outlines the terms and conditions of coverage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'policy' comes from the Greek word 'polis', meaning city, which shows how rules help govern community behavior.
In the 14th century, 'policy' entered the English language, initially referring to government or state affairs.
The Latin term 'politia' meaning 'citizenship, civil order' also influenced the evolution of the term into the modern context.

Political Science

Public policies are created by governments to address issues affecting the community, like health care or education.
The process of forming a policy typically involves defining the problem, analyzing options, and choosing a solution.
Policies can be formal, such as laws, or informal, like workplace guidelines, affecting various aspects of daily life.

Business

Companies often develop policies to ensure consistency in operations, such as hiring practices or customer service protocols.
A strong company policy can improve employee morale and productivity, as it provides clear expectations.
When businesses have a documented policy, it helps in accountability and provides a reference if disputes arise.

Psychology

People's decision-making often depends on existing policies, which can influence their behavior unconsciously.
Cognitive biases can affect how individuals perceive and accept policies, leading to different reactions among groups.
Understanding the policies of a group can help in predicting attitudes and behaviors in social situations.

Cultural Impact

Cultural policies can shape the arts and heritage of a society, determining what is supported or promoted.
Think tanks and advocacy groups often shape public policy discussions, influencing societal values and norms.
Media coverage of policies often affects public perception, particularly in how policies are framed and communicated.

Translations

Translations of the word "policy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 política

política de seguros
política de empresa

🇮🇳 नीति

🇩🇪 Politik

Richtlinie
Police

🇮🇩 kebijakan

🇺🇦 політика

поліс
стратегія

🇵🇱 polityka

🇯🇵 政策 (せいさく)

🇫🇷 politique

🇪🇸 política

🇹🇷 politika

🇰🇷 정책 (jeongchaek)

🇸🇦 سياسة

🇨🇿 politika

🇸🇰 politika

🇨🇳 政策 (zhèngcè)

🇸🇮 politika

🇮🇸 stefna

🇰🇿 саясат

🇬🇪 პოლიტიკა

🇦🇿 siyasət

🇲🇽 política

Word Frequency Rank

With position #311, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
308 help
309 along
310 book
311 policy
312 air
313 considered
314 care
...