politics
gb/pˈɑlətˌɪks/ us/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
abstract
1
government and public affairs
the work and discussion of running a country or city
Usage pattern:
in politics; go into politics; politics in [place]
Common mistake:
Politics is usually treated as singular in modern English: “Politics is complicated,” not “Politics are…”. Also, don’t confuse politics (power and government) with policy (a plan or set of rules).
Synonyms
government (focuses more on the institutions and people in power than on the wider activity and debate.)
|
public affairs (often used in formal contexts for government-related issues and communication.)
Antonyms
private life (contrasts with public governance and public decision-making.)
Collocations
national politics
|local politics
|international politics
|party politics
|a career in politics
|go into politics
|follow politics
|the world of politics
|politics and government
|politics section
Themes
government
|society
|news
Examples
- She works in politics and hopes to run for office one day.
- Local politics can have a big impact on schools and transport.
- The documentary explores how money influences politics.
Learner examples
- I read about politics in the news.
- He wants to go into politics.
Noun
B1
abstract
2
political beliefs and opinions
someone’s ideas about how a country should be run
Usage pattern:
[someone]’s politics; discuss politics
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use “politics” when they mean “policies” (specific plans). Politics = beliefs and power; policy = a plan or rule.
Synonyms
ideology (more formal; emphasizes a structured set of ideas.)
|
political views (more explicit and neutral than politics on its own.)
Antonyms
neutrality (lack of strong political alignment or opinion.)
Collocations
his politics
|her politics
|their politics
|left-wing politics
|right-wing politics
|liberal politics
|conservative politics
|politics differ
|talk about politics
|avoid politics
Themes
society
|opinions
|relationships
Examples
- I don’t always agree with his politics, but I respect him.
- Their politics shifted after they moved to the city.
- We try not to discuss politics at family dinners.
Learner examples
- Her politics are very liberal.
Noun
B2
abstract
3
the subject of politics
the school subject about government and power
Usage pattern:
study politics; a degree in politics
Synonyms
political science (common name for the subject, especially in the US.)
Antonyms
nonacademic (not related to study or university learning.)
Collocations
study politics
|politics degree
|politics course
|politics class
|politics department
|politics professor
|major in politics
|politics student
|politics lecture
|politics seminar
Themes
education
|government
Examples
- She studied politics at university and then joined a nonprofit.
- Our politics class focused on elections and voter behavior.
- He’s reading a book on politics and international relations.
Learner examples
- I study politics at college.
Noun
B2
process
4
power struggles inside groups
hidden competition for power in a group
Usage pattern:
the politics of [organization/group]; internal politics
Common mistake:
This meaning is not about government; it refers to relationships and power at work or in organizations.
Synonyms
power struggles (more direct; highlights conflict over control.)
|
intrigue (suggests secret plotting or manipulation.)
Antonyms
transparency (open decision-making without hidden agendas.)
Collocations
office politics
|workplace politics
|company politics
|internal politics
|campus politics
|navigate politics
|avoid politics
|petty politics
|department politics
|the politics of a team
Themes
work
|relationships
|business
Examples
- She’s great at her job but hates the politics in the office.
- The politics of the committee delayed the project for months.
- Try not to get pulled into campus politics during your first year.
Learner examples
- I don’t like office politics.
Grammar
Dictionary form
politics
IPA
GB/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
US/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
Syllables & stress
polit - ics (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (polit)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: politics
- Plural: politics
Word family
Core family
Related words
policy
noun B1
politicize
verb C1
Negative and opposite forms
apolitical
adjective
nonpolitical
adjective
Advanced or less common
politicization
noun
Expressions
dirty politics
1/dˈɚti pˈɑlətˌɪks/
fixed phrase
dishonest political tactics
politics using lies or unfair methods
Examples
- The campaign descended into dirty politics and smear ads.
- She resigned after being accused of dirty politics.
- The film shows how dirty politics can destroy trust.
identity politics
1/aɪdˈɛntɪti pˈɑlətˌɪks/
fixed phrase
politics centered on identity
politics focused on social identity groups
Examples
- The debate shifted toward identity politics and representation.
- Some voters feel tired of identity politics in campaign messaging.
- The article examines identity politics in modern democracies.
keep politics out of it
1/kˈip pˈɑlətˌɪks ˈaʊt əv ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
avoid political discussion or influence
don’t talk about politics here
Examples
- Can we keep politics out of it and just talk about the project?
- The teacher asked students to keep politics out of the discussion.
- They tried to keep politics out of the family reunion.
office politics
1/ˈɔfɪs pˈɑlətˌɪks/
fixed phrase
power games at work
hidden competition and relationships at work
Examples
- He avoids office politics and focuses on his tasks.
- Office politics got worse after the promotion was announced.
- She learned to handle office politics without taking sides.
party politics
1/pˈɑɹti pˈɑlətˌɪks/
fixed phrase
competition between political parties
politics focused on political parties and winning
Examples
- The issue became trapped in party politics before the election.
- She tried to rise above party politics and talk about jobs.
- Committee meetings were dominated by party politics.
play politics
1/plˈeɪ pˈɑlətˌɪks/
idiom
use tactics to gain advantage
to use tricks to get power or advantage
Examples
- He refused to play politics and focused on solving the problem.
- Don’t play politics with people’s jobs to win support.
- They started playing politics instead of working together.
politics as usual
1/pˈɑlətˌɪks ˈæz jˈuʒuəl/
fixed phrase
typical self-interested behavior
the usual disappointing way politicians act
Examples
- They promised change, but it feels like politics as usual.
- The reforms stalled—politics as usual in the capital.
- Voters are tired of politics as usual.
the politics of [something]
1/ðə pˈɑlətˌɪks əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
power dynamics around an issue
the hidden power and interests behind something
Examples
- The book explores the politics of climate policy.
- They underestimated the politics of choosing a new team leader.
- The politics of funding can shape what research gets done.