Political: meaning, definitions and examples

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political

 

[ pəˈlɪtɪkəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

related to government or public affairs

Political refers to anything related to government, public affairs, or the actions of politicians. It can also refer to activities, debates, or decisions that are involved in running a government or an organization. Political issues are often controversial and can spark heated discussions.

Synonyms

civic, governmental, public.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
political

Use this word when discussing activities, policies, or events related to government, parties, or politicians.

  • The political debate will take place next week.
  • She is very active in political campaigns.
governmental

This word is used when referring to matters specifically related to the structure, institutions, or activities of government entities.

  • Governmental regulations will affect small businesses.
  • She works for a governmental agency.
public

Use this word when talking about the general population or services, spaces, and opinions accessible or relevant to everyone.

  • Public transportation is essential in the city.
  • The park is open to the public.
civic

This word is suitable for talking about the responsibilities, activities, or participation of citizens within a community or society.

  • Civic duties include voting and paying taxes.
  • He is a member of several civic organizations.

Examples of usage

  • His political views are quite liberal.
  • The company has faced criticism for its political connections.
  • She is actively involved in political activism.
Context #2 | Noun

the activities associated with governance

As a noun, political refers to the activities associated with governance, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. It also encompasses the principles or opinions concerning governance. Political can also refer to the academic study of government and politics.

Synonyms

governance, politics, public affairs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
political

This word is used to describe anything related to government, policies, or public affairs. It can refer to a person's beliefs, actions, or the state of a country.

  • She has strong political views.
  • The political climate in the country is tense.
governance

Use this term to talk about the way in which organizations or countries are managed and controlled. It focuses on rules, processes, and practices.

  • Good governance is key to a successful organization.
  • The company's governance policies are well-regarded.
politics

Use this word when referring to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to discuss the science or art of political government.

  • They had a long discussion about politics.
  • She's very interested in local politics.
public affairs

Use this term to refer to matters or events affecting the public, usually involving government, law, and policy.

  • He works in public affairs, focusing on healthcare policy.
  • The meeting addressed several important public affairs.

Examples of usage

  • The political in-fighting within the party is causing division.
  • She is pursuing a degree in political science.

Translations

Translations of the word "political" in other languages:

🇵🇹 político

🇮🇳 राजनीतिक

🇩🇪 politisch

🇮🇩 politik

🇺🇦 політичний

🇵🇱 polityczny

🇯🇵 政治的 (せいじてき)

🇫🇷 politique

🇪🇸 político

🇹🇷 politik

🇰🇷 정치의 (정치적)

🇸🇦 سياسي

🇨🇿 politický

🇸🇰 politický

🇨🇳 政治的 (zhèngzhì de)

🇸🇮 političen

🇮🇸 pólitískur

🇰🇿 саяси

🇬🇪 პოლიტიკური

🇦🇿 siyasi

🇲🇽 político

Etymology

The word 'political' has its origins in the Greek word 'politikos', which means 'of, for, or relating to citizens'. It entered the English language in the 15th century and has since evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings related to government, governance, and public affairs. The concept of politics and political systems has been central to human societies throughout history, shaping the way societies are organized and how power is distributed.

See also: politically, politician, politicians, politics.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #294, 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.