Politicians - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

public figure

Politicians are individuals who are elected or appointed to public office, where they have the responsibility of making and passing laws, representing the interests of their constituents, and governing a specific area or country.

Synonyms

lawmaker, public servant, statesman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
statesman	Describes a respected, experienced, and wise political leader. It often implies a high level of integrity and commitment to the public good, having a positive connotation. Nelson Mandela is often regarded as a great statesman of the 20th century. Her reputation as a statesman is built on years of dedicated service and diplomacy.
public servant	Refers to someone who works in the public sector and serves the government or the community. It encompasses a wider range of roles beyond elected officials and often has a positive connotation indicating dedication to public service. He dedicated his life to being a public servant, always putting the community first. Public servants are essential in ensuring the smooth running of government services.
lawmaker	Used specifically to describe an individual who is responsible for making and passing laws, such as members of a legislative body. The term focuses on the legal aspect of their duties. The lawmaker proposed a new bill to improve healthcare. As a lawmaker, she has a significant influence on policy-making.

Word

Description / Examples

statesman

Describes a respected, experienced, and wise political leader. It often implies a high level of integrity and commitment to the public good, having a positive connotation.

Nelson Mandela is often regarded as a great statesman of the 20th century.
Her reputation as a statesman is built on years of dedicated service and diplomacy.

public servant

Refers to someone who works in the public sector and serves the government or the community. It encompasses a wider range of roles beyond elected officials and often has a positive connotation indicating dedication to public service.

He dedicated his life to being a public servant, always putting the community first.
Public servants are essential in ensuring the smooth running of government services.

lawmaker

Used specifically to describe an individual who is responsible for making and passing laws, such as members of a legislative body. The term focuses on the legal aspect of their duties.

The lawmaker proposed a new bill to improve healthcare.
As a lawmaker, she has a significant influence on policy-making.

Examples of usage

Politicians often debate in parliament on various issues.
Many politicians campaign during elections to win the support of voters.
Corruption is a common issue associated with some politicians.
Politicians have the power to influence policy decisions.
Public trust in politicians can vary depending on their actions.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

In ancient Athens, politicians were often citizens who debated in public forums, shaping early democratic practices.
The Roman Republic had elected officials known as consuls, one of the earliest forms of politic leadership.
During the Middle Ages, political power often resided with monarchs or feudal lords, marking a shift from citizen politicians to hereditary rule.

Pop Culture

Politicians often appear in movies and TV shows, representing both heroes and villains in the narratives about power.
In the Beatles' song 'Revolution,' lyrics reflect a youth movement calling for changes in political systems.
Political satire shows like 'Saturday Night Live' have shaped public perception of politicians through humor and parody.

Psychology

Research shows that people’s trust in politicians can significantly impact civic engagement and voter turnout.
Studies suggest that politicians often employ persuasion techniques similar to those used in advertising to influence public opinion.
The concept of the 'halo effect' explains how a politician's charisma can lead people to overlook negative traits or decisions.

Education

Civics education in schools teaches students about the roles and responsibilities of politicians as part of a functioning democracy.
Some educational programs encourage youth to engage in the political process, inspiring future generations of leaders.
Debate clubs often mimic political environments, teaching students how to articulate their views and understand different perspectives.

Origin of 'politicians'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Greek word 'politikos,' which means 'of, for, or relating to citizens.'
In Latin, 'politicus' referred to someone who deals with public affairs, showing early recognition of their role in society.
The word itself has evolved through various languages, emphasizing its enduring significance in governance.

The term 'politician' originated in the mid-17th century from the word 'politic,' meaning 'political,' which in turn came from the Latin word 'politicus,' relating to citizens or the state. Over time, the word evolved to refer specifically to individuals engaged in politics or government. Politicians play a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of a country or region.

See also: political, politically, politician, politics.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,035 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5032 gauge
5033 swept
5034 heretofore
5035 politicians
5036 purity
5037 sophisticated
5038 packing
...

Politicians Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations