policy
UK: ˈpɒləsi | US: ˈpɑːləsi
n. a course or principle of action adopted by an organization or individual
n. a contract of insurance
n. shrewd or crafty management (archaic)
The word "policy" traces back to the Greek politeia (citizenship, government), via Latin politia (civil administration) and Old French policie (public order). The root polic reflects governance or organized systems, while the suffix -y nominalizes the concept. Originally tied to statecraft, its meaning expanded to include strategic plans (e.g., insurance policies) by the 16th century.
The company revised its privacy policy to comply with new regulations.
She purchased a life insurance policy last year.
The mayor’s economic policy focuses on job creation.
Critics argue that the school’s strict attendance policy is unfair.
In medieval times, wise policy often determined a ruler’s success.