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Polity: meaning, definitions and examples

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polity

 

[ ˈpɒlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political organization

Polity refers to a form or process of civil government or constitution. It can denote an organized society or state, particularly in terms of its political structure or governance.

Synonyms

administration, authority, government, regime, state.

Examples of usage

  • The polity of the nation has evolved over centuries.
  • Local polities often have different regulations than the national government.
  • The study of polity includes understanding various forms of governance.
Context #2 | Noun

social structure

In a broader sense, polity can also refer to any politically organized unit that can be a community, city, or group of citizens that manage their affairs collectively.

Synonyms

body politic, community, organization, society.

Examples of usage

  • The polity of the small town was characterized by active citizen participation.
  • Understanding the polity helps in comprehending social dynamics.
  • Ancient polities often laid the groundwork for modern states.

Translations

Translations of the word "polity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 política

🇮🇳 राजनीति

🇩🇪 Politik

🇮🇩 politik

🇺🇦 політика

🇵🇱 polityka

🇯🇵 政治

🇫🇷 politique

🇪🇸 política

🇹🇷 politika

🇰🇷 정치

🇸🇦 سياسة

🇨🇿 politika

🇸🇰 politika

🇨🇳 政治

🇸🇮 politika

🇮🇸 stjórnfræði

🇰🇿 саясат

🇬🇪 პოლიტიკა

🇦🇿 siyasət

🇲🇽 política

Etymology

The word 'polity' derives from the Greek word 'politeia,' which refers to citizenship, governance, or the state in general. This term was used in classical philosophy to discuss the organization of communities and states. In Medieval Latin, 'politia' was adopted, further evolving into the modern English term 'polity.' Over the centuries, 'polity' has retained its connection to political structures and systems while also broadening to include various forms of communities and their governance. The emphasis on governance reflects the term's roots in discussions of political rights and citizens' roles within organized systems.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,222, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.