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politics

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈpɑɫəˌtɪks// UK //pˈɒlətˌɪks// pol·i·tics General-service Informal

n. the activities and ideas involved in running a country or local area. It also describes how people in a group use power to make decisions or get what they want.

n. the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, particularly the debate between parties having power. Often refers to the internal power dynamics and status-seeking within any social or professional organisation.


SIMPLE

She decided to enter politics to help her local community.

CONTEXTUAL

Office politics can sometimes make it difficult for talented employees to get the promotions they deserve.

COMPLEX

While the student was interested in the theory of government, he found the actual practice of party politics to be far more cynical than he had anticipated.

Synonyms
Origin

From the adjective politic, by analogy with Aristotle’s τά πολῑτῐκᾱ́ (tá polītĭkā́, “affairs of state”).

Usage

Treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending; takes a singular verb ('Politics is...').

Pitfall

Politics are very complicated.Politics is very complicated.Despite the plural appearance, the word is grammatically singular when referring to the field or activity.

Idioms4 entries

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