Policy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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policy
[ˈpɒlɪsi ]
Definitions
government
A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| policy |
Use in official contexts, especially in governments, organizations, or companies to describe rules or guidelines.
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| strategy |
Ideal for discussing overarching or long-term actions, often involved in competitive contexts such as business, military, or games.
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| approach |
Useful when talking about methods or ways of dealing with a task or problem, more flexible and personal than 'policy'.
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| plan |
Best used when outlining specific steps or actions designed to achieve a goal, especially for the future.
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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.
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.
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| insurance |
This word is used to describe a system of protection against loss, usually in the form of a financial arrangement.
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| coverage |
This term is typically used when discussing the extent or range of protection provided by an insurance policy or similar arrangements.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- He took out a comprehensive policy on his car.
- The homeowner's policy covered damage from the storm.
law
A contract of insurance.
Synonyms
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.
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| agreement |
Appropriate for situations where parties have mutually decided on terms for cooperation or resolution, often informal or preliminary.
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| contract |
Utilize when referring to a formal and legally binding agreement between parties, often used in business or employment contexts.
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| bond |
Best used in contexts related to finance and investment, or to describe a strong connection between people.
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Examples of usage
- The policyholder must pay the premiums to keep the policy in force.
- The policy outlines the terms and conditions of coverage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'policy'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'policy' originated from the Middle French 'police' and the Latin 'politia', meaning 'civil administration'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'government'. Over time, its usage expanded to include various forms of rules, principles, and contracts. Today, 'policy' is commonly used in the context of government decisions, company regulations, and insurance agreements.
See also: policies.