What does "politics" mean?
A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement.
Politics
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement.
- Grammar: politics is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: political science, bossism, civic affairs, civics.
- Useful contrasts: apolitical studies, nonpolitical topics, nonpolitics.
- Usage evidence: My apathy for voting comes from my distaste for politics.
How to use "politics"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "politics" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "politics" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "politics" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "politics" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "politics" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "political science" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "politics", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement. countable
"There are by now many feminisms (Tong, 1989; Humm, 1992). [...] They are in shifting alliance or contest with postmodern critiques, which at times seem to threaten the very category 'women' and its possibilities for a feminist politics."
- 2 the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs wordnet
- 3 The profession of conducting political affairs. countable
"He made a career out of politics."
- 4 the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government wordnet
- 5 One's political stands and opinions. countable, uncountable
"Their politics are clear from the bumper stickers on their cars."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 the study of government of states and other political units wordnet
- 7 Political maneuvers or diplomacy between people, groups, or organizations, especially involving power, standing, influence or conflict. uncountable
"There is no stability; only politics. The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good."
- 8 the opinion you hold with respect to political questions wordnet
- 9 Real-world beliefs and social issues irrelevant to the topic at hand. countable, informal, singular, uncountable
"We're trying to talk about comic books, don't mention politics."
- 10 social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power wordnet
Verb
- 1 third-person singular simple present indicative of politic form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"My apathy for voting comes from my distaste for politics."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "politics"?
Common synonyms include: political science, bossism, civic affairs, civics, civics, danish politik.
How do you use "politics" in a sentence?
My apathy for voting comes from my distaste for politics.
How do you pronounce "politics"?
Pronounced /ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks/.
Etymology
From the adjective politic, by analogy with Aristotle’s τά πολῑτῐκᾱ́ (tá polītĭkā́, “affairs of state”).