polity
UK: ˈpɒl.ɪ.ti | US: ˈpɑː.lə.ti
n. a form or process of civil government or constitution
n. an organized society or state as a political entity
n. the condition of being constituted as a state or community
polity = poli<state/city> + ty<noun suffix>
- poli<state/city>: From Greek polis (πόλις), meaning "city" or "state." This root appears in words like metropolis (mother city) and politics (affairs of the city).
- ty<noun suffix>: A nominalizing suffix derived from Latin -tas (via Old French -té), indicating a state or condition (e.g., liberty, equality).
Etymology Origin:
The word polity traces back to Greek politeia (πολιτεία), meaning "citizenship" or "government." It entered English via Latin politia and Old French politie, evolving to denote the structural organization of a state. The root poli- reflects the ancient Greek focus on the city-state (polis) as the foundational political unit, while -ty solidifies its abstract noun form. The term encapsulates the idea of collective governance, bridging classical and modern political thought.
The polity of ancient Athens was a precursor to modern democracy.
Scholars debate whether a global polity can emerge from current international institutions.
The new constitution reshaped the nation’s polity into a federal system.
Tribal societies often develop unique polities distinct from centralized states.
A healthy polity requires active participation from its citizens.