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politics

n.
US //ˈpɑɫəˌtɪks// UK //pˈɒlətˌɪks// pol·i·tics
  1. 1 government and state affairs (n.)
    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.

    Example

    He decided to go into politics because he wanted to improve the local schools.

    Example

    After years of working as a lawyer, she entered national politics and eventually ran for a seat in the parliament.

    Usage

    Takes a singular verb when referring to the field of study or the general system of government.
    Pitfall
    Politics 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.

  2. 2 personal beliefs (n.)
    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.

    Example

    We are close friends even though our politics are very different.

    Example

    His radical politics often brought him into conflict with the more conservative members of the local council.

    Usage

    Often takes a plural verb when referring to an individual's specific set of opinions.
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  1. 3 power struggles in a group (n.)
    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.

    Example

    I left my last job because I was tired of all the office politics.

    Example

    The internal politics of the department made it nearly impossible for new ideas to be implemented without causing an argument.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'office politics' to describe professional power dynamics.
  2. 4 social issues in media (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    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.

    Example

    Some fans complained about the politics in the new superhero movie.

    Example

    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 tip

    In modern internet slang, this is often used by people who feel that social justice themes are being 'forced' into movies or games.
Origin

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

Word family
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