ENGLISH
REFERENCE

political

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //pəˈɫɪtəkəɫ// UK //pəlˈɪtɪkəl// po·lit·i·cal General-service Vulgar

adj. relating to the government, the way a country is run, or how power is shared in society. You use this to describe people, ideas, or activities involved in making laws and leading a nation.

adj. relating to the government or the public affairs of a country. Often used to describe the activities, policies, or conflicts associated with the acquisition and exercise of power within a state or organization.


SIMPLE

The two parties have very different political views.

CONTEXTUAL

The candidate decided to avoid discussing sensitive political issues during the local community festival.

COMPLEX

The documentary explores the complex political landscape of the region, focusing on how historical grievances continue to influence modern legislative decisions and diplomatic relations.

Antonyms
Origin

From politic + -al.

Usage

Typically used before a noun; can also describe internal power struggles within a non-governmental organization or workplace.

Pitfall

He is a very political personHe is very interested in politicsLearners often use the adjective 'political' to describe a person's interests, but it usually describes things related to the system; use the noun 'politics' for personal interests.

Idioms1 entry

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