politics
UK: ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks | US: ˈpɑː.lə.tɪks
n. the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence a government
n. the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a society
n. (often plural) the opinions or principles of a person or group regarding governance
politics = polit<city/state> + ics<study/art of>
- polit <city/state>: From Greek polis (πόλις), meaning "city" or "state."
- ics <study/art of>: A suffix derived from Greek -ika, denoting a field of study or practice (e.g., mathematics, physics).
Etymology Origin:
The word politics traces back to Aristotle’s ta politika (τὰ πολιτικά), meaning "affairs of the city." The Greek polis referred to the self-governing city-state, the central unit of ancient Greek society. Over time, politika evolved into Latin politica and later into English politics, shifting from a focus on city governance to broader systems of power and governance. The suffix -ics frames it as a structured discipline or art.
She decided to study politics at university to understand how governments function.
Local politics often has a direct impact on community services.
His politics lean toward progressive reforms.
The book explores the intersection of ethics and politics.
Corporate politics can complicate workplace dynamics.