B1noun1K

Politics

UK /["/ˈpɒlətɪks/"]/US /["/ˈpɑːlətɪks/"]/

Definition

the activities involved in getting and using power in public life, and being able to influence decisions that affect a country or a society

In simple words: The way people organize and make decisions about groups and governments.

Examples

  • Politics can often lead to heated debates among friends.
  • Many young people are disillusioned with politics and feel their voices are not heard.
  • The politics surrounding the environmental issue are complex and multifaceted.
  • His interest in politics grew after he started following the latest elections.
  • In a democracy, politics often reflect the will of the people.

Usage notes

Use 'politics' when discussing government, policies, or political parties. It's more formal in written contexts and less common in casual conversations about personal opinions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'politics' as 'poly' meaning many, and 'ticks' as the small bugs that annoy us — many opinions can be annoying!

Collocations

  • domestic
  • internal
  • county
  • enter
  • go into
  • abandon
  • dominate something
  • drive something
  • motivate something
  • somebody’s involvement in politics
  • somebody’s participation in politics
  • the world of politics
  • domestic
  • internal
  • county
  • enter
  • go into
  • abandon
  • dominate something
  • drive something
  • motivate something
  • somebody’s involvement in politics
  • somebody’s participation in politics
  • the world of politics
  • domestic
  • internal
  • county
  • enter
  • go into
  • abandon
  • dominate something
  • drive something
  • motivate something
  • somebody’s involvement in politics
  • somebody’s participation in politics
  • the world of politics

Synonyms

  • government
  • political science
  • policy-making
  • diplomacy

Antonyms

  • apoliticism
  • indifference

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'policy' which refers to specific plans rather than the general practice of governance.
  • Using 'politics' when referring to personal disagreements not related to governance.
  • Mispronouncing as 'pol-i-ticks' instead of 'pol-i-tics'.