What does politics mean?
Politics is the name for the ways societies organize authority, make collective decisions, and pursue competing interests through government and other public institutions. It can refer to elections, political parties, legislation, diplomacy, public administration, and the activities of people who seek or exercise political power. In broader contexts, it also means a body of political ideas or ideology, such as liberal or conservative politics. The term is often used figuratively for strategic maneuvering, as in “office politics” or “family politics,” where people pursue influence, status, or advantage. Because politics concerns both formal institutions and the behavior of those operating within them, it can describe a field of public life, a set of convictions, or the practical contests that shape a particular organization. Its roots in the idea of the city reflect the historical connection between political life and civic community, and its modern meanings encompass both public affairs and everyday power struggles.
nounPolitics are the activities, institutions, and processes involved in governing a society and exercising political power. The word can also refer to political ideas and ideology, or to strategic maneuvering within an organization or relationship.
- The activities and processes involved in government, elections, parties, public policy, and the exercise of political power.
- A set of political principles, beliefs, or ideology.
- Strategic or competitive maneuvering, especially in an organization, workplace, or relationship.
"She became immersed in local politics after moving to the city council."
"Domestic politics dominated the news for most of the election year."
"Office politics can make it difficult to introduce genuine reforms."
The form is normally unchanged and used as an uncountable singular noun, although contexts involving several political actors or competing interests can encourage plural agreement.
"The regional politics of the issue became increasingly contentious."
The word that means the affairs of a city literally began with the Greek word for “city” — and grew into a term for everything from elections to office politics.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of politics
English borrowed politics from Latin politicus, meaning “of citizens” or “civic,” and ultimately from Greek politikos, derived from polis, meaning “city” or “citizen community.” The word originally referred to civic affairs and the organization of a city or state. Its later development broadened the sense from political life and government to political principles, ideologies, and maneuvering within public or private institutions.
Related word forms
How politics is actually used
Politics is usually used as an uncountable singular noun, especially for the field of government or political activity. In phrases such as “office politics,” “internal politics,” and “the politics of an issue,” it emphasizes strategy, influence, and competing interests. The word is neutral in academic and journalistic contexts but can sound dismissive or cynical when used to imply that a discussion is merely about personal maneuvering.
Easily confused with politics
Politics refers broadly to government, political activity, and the exercise of power, whereas a policy is a particular course of action adopted within that broader field.