politics
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the activities and work involved in running a country, city, or government.
the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, particularly the debate between parties having power.
Simple“He decided to go into politics because he wanted to improve the local schools.”
In context“After years of working as a lawyer, she entered national politics and eventually ran for a seat in the parliament.”
UsageTakes a singular verb when referring to the field of study or the general system of government.
PitfallPolitics are a very difficult subject. Politics is a very difficult subject.When referring to the field of study or the general concept of government, 'politics' takes a singular verb.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
your personal opinions about how a country should be governed.
the set of political beliefs or principles held by an individual or a specific group.
Simple“We are close friends even though our politics are very different.”
In context“His radical politics often brought him into conflict with the more conservative members of the local council.”
UsageOften takes a plural verb when referring to an individual's specific set of opinions.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way people in a workplace or group use their power to get what they want.
the use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining power or status within a particular group or organization.
Simple“I left my last job because I was tired of all the office politics.”
In context“The internal politics of the department made it nearly impossible for new ideas to be implemented without causing an argument.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'office politics' to describe professional power dynamics.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
social issues or beliefs that some people think do not belong in a specific conversation or story.
a modern, often pejorative reference to the inclusion of social or ideological themes in entertainment or non-political spaces.
Simple“Some fans complained about the politics in the new superhero movie.”
In context“The reviewer argued that the game was ruined by the inclusion of modern politics that felt out of place in a fantasy setting.”
Teacher's tipIn modern internet slang, this is often used by people who feel that social justice themes are being 'forced' into movies or games.
Synonymssocial issuesideology
Usage politics aug · politics live
From the adjective politic, by analogy with Aristotle’s τά πολῑτῐκᾱ́ (tá polītĭkā́, “affairs of state”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.