Words / B1

POL-uh-tiks/ˈpɒlətɪks/

Politics is the work of government and public decisions — usually uncountable: talk about politics, go into politics. Policy is one official plan (a housing policy). Political is the adjective; politician is the person. Politely is unrelated (from polite). Office politics means unofficial power games at work. A common error is “politic” for this meaning.

Meaning

The work of government and public decisions.

Examples

• “They were talking about politics.”
• “She has always been interested in local politics.”
• “The debate was more about politics than science.”

Good to know

talk about / go into politics (uncountable). One plan: a policy. Person: politician. Adjective: political.

Near in meaning

government

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