Words / B2

pol-uh-TISHUN/ˌpɒləˈtɪʃn/

A politician’s job is politics, usually elected: a local politician, career politicians. MP is a specific UK post; minister is a government job; statesman is older and often complimentary. Politics is the field (already in the dictionary). In speech, an MP / a councillor is often more precise. The word can sound mildly critical (sleazy politicians) — in a careful essay, name the office.

Meaning

A person whose job is politics, especially someone elected to a parliament or council.

Examples

• “The politician refused to comment before the vote.”
• “The politician refused interviews until the vote.”
• “Not every politician is an MP: some sit on councils and never go to Westminster.”

Good to know

a local / national politician. More precise: MP / councillor / minister. Field: politics. Can sound critical — name the office in formal prose.

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