English Reference
adverb

politically

adv.
US /ˈpɫɪtɪkɫi/ UK /pəlˈɪtɪkli/ po·lit·i·cal·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that relates to the government, political parties, or public affairs.

    with respect to government, political parties, or the state's administration.

    Simple

    The two countries are very close economically but quite different politically.

    In context

    The decision was politically motivated, designed to appeal to rural voters ahead of the upcoming general election.

    governmentally
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that considers how people might be offended or how power is shared in society.

    relating to the social dynamics of power and the avoidance of causing offense to specific groups.

    Simple

    It is important to speak politically when discussing sensitive social issues.

    In context

    The university sought to remain politically neutral during the protests to avoid alienating its diverse student body.

Usage politically motivated · politically charged

Kokelj, who has collected about 25,000 jokes from the region over the years, said he resisted freighting the exhibition with politically loaded humour.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

Culturally and politically, Germany’s Bayreuth festival doesn’t so much have baggage as its own industrial-scale luggage hangar.

The Guardian· 10 Aug 2026

From political + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated