Politics: meaning, definitions and examples

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politics

[ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in society

Politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence the government. It involves making decisions that apply to members of a group.

Synonyms

administration, government, public affairs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
politics	The activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence how a government is run. It often refers to the art or science of governing and can have a negative connotation when referring to manipulative strategies. She decided to study politics in college to better understand how laws are made. Office politics can make the work environment quite challenging.
government	The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It refers broadly to the political direction and control exercised over the members of a society. The government passed new legislation to improve national security. Local government is responsible for basic services like water supply and road maintenance.
public affairs	Matters that concern the public directly, particularly issues involving government policies and actions. It is commonly used in the context of public relations and communications. She works in public affairs, helping to communicate government initiatives to the public. Public affairs professionals often liaise between government officials and the community.
administration	The process or activity of running an organization, company, or government. It highlights the implementation and management aspect. The new administration implemented various reforms to improve the healthcare system. Efficient administration ensures that company resources are utilized effectively.

Examples of usage

His interest in politics led him to run for office.
She studied politics in college to understand the workings of government.
The candidate's politics were aligned with the values of the majority of voters.
Global politics can have a significant impact on economies worldwide.
Political debates often focus on important issues affecting society.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a workplace

Politics can also refer to the use of power plays and manipulation in the workplace to gain advantages or influence decisions.

Synonyms

internal power struggles, interpersonal maneuvering, office dynamics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
politics	Refers to activities associated with governance, policy-making, and domestic and international relations. It can also denote strategic behaviors in organizational or social contexts. Jane has always been interested in politics and hopes to work in government someday. Office politics can sometimes make achieving results difficult.
office dynamics	Encompasses the behavioral and social interactions that occur within a workplace. This term can refer to both positive and negative interactions among colleagues. Understanding office dynamics is crucial for any manager. Good office dynamics can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
interpersonal maneuvering	Refers to strategic behavior between individuals aiming to improve their own standing, often at the expense of others. This can happen in both personal and professional settings. His success was largely due to his skill at interpersonal maneuvering. Interpersonal maneuvering is common in competitive work environments.
internal power struggles	Describes conflicts within an organization or group where different factions or individuals compete for influence or control. This often occurs in hierarchical organizations or during periods of change. The internal power struggles within the company have led to high employee turnover. During the merger, the boardroom was rife with internal power struggles.

Examples of usage

She navigated the office politics skillfully to secure a promotion.
The politics in the company were toxic and led to high employee turnover.
He disliked participating in workplace politics and preferred to focus on his work.
Understanding office politics is crucial for career advancement in some organizations.
Effective communication can help navigate office politics without compromising integrity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'politics' comes from the ancient Greek word 'politikos,' which means 'of, for, or relating to citizens.'
In ancient Rome, politics was tied closely to the concept of citizenship and civic duty among free men.
Political structures began to form in the ancient city-states of Greece, where citizens debated laws and policies publicly.

Historical Significance

The founding fathers of the United States created a unique form of politics which emphasized democracy and representation.
The Age of Enlightenment influenced modern political thought, promoting ideas of individual rights and freedoms.
Major revolutions, like the French Revolution, drastically reshaped politics by questioning monarchy and social hierarchy.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'The West Wing' and 'House of Cards' illustrate the complexities and intrigues of political life.
Political cartoons have been a popular way to express opinions and critique leaders since the 18th century.
Books like '1984' by George Orwell explore the darker side of politics and government control.

Psychology

Research suggests that people's political beliefs are often tied to their identity and social groups, influencing their worldviews.
Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, can lead individuals to favor information that supports their pre-existing political beliefs.
The empathy gap illustrates how individuals may struggle to understand the perspectives of others with differing political views.

Global Perspectives

Different countries approach politics differently, with systems like democracy, communism, and monarchy shaping how leaders are chosen.
Political ideologies vary greatly around the world, from liberalism to conservatism, affecting global cooperation and conflict.
International organizations like the United Nations play crucial roles in facilitating diplomatic relations and addressing global issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "politics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 política

🇮🇳 राजनीति

🇩🇪 Politik

🇮🇩 politik

🇺🇦 політика

🇵🇱 polityka

🇯🇵 政治 (せいじ)

🇫🇷 politique

🇪🇸 política

🇹🇷 siyaset

🇰🇷 정치 (정치)

🇸🇦 سياسة

🇨🇿 politika

🇸🇰 politika

🇨🇳 政治 (zhèngzhì)

🇸🇮 politika

🇮🇸 stjórnmál

🇰🇿 саясат

🇬🇪 პოლიტიკა

🇦🇿 siyasət

🇲🇽 política

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,802, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1799 behalf
1800 explanation
1801 minor
1802 politics
1803 centre
1804 attitude
1805 walked
...