politics
gb/pˈɑlətˌɪks/ us/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
B1
Anglais
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B1
abstract
1
government and public affairs
the work and discussion of running a country or city
Schéma d’usage :
in politics; go into politics; politics in [place]
Erreur fréquente :
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).
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
government
|society
|news
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I read about politics in the news.
- He wants to go into politics.
Nom
B1
abstract
2
political beliefs and opinions
someone’s ideas about how a country should be run
Schéma d’usage :
[someone]’s politics; discuss politics
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes use “politics” when they mean “policies” (specific plans). Politics = beliefs and power; policy = a plan or rule.
Synonymes
ideology (more formal; emphasizes a structured set of ideas.)
|
political views (more explicit and neutral than politics on its own.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
society
|opinions
|relationships
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Her politics are very liberal.
Nom
B2
abstract
3
the subject of politics
the school subject about government and power
Schéma d’usage :
study politics; a degree in politics
Synonymes
political science (common name for the subject, especially in the US.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
education
|government
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I study politics at college.
Nom
B2
process
4
power struggles inside groups
hidden competition for power in a group
Schéma d’usage :
the politics of [organization/group]; internal politics
Erreur fréquente :
This meaning is not about government; it refers to relationships and power at work or in organizations.
Synonymes
power struggles (more direct; highlights conflict over control.)
|
intrigue (suggests secret plotting or manipulation.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
work
|relationships
|business
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I don’t like office politics.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
politics
API
GB/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
US/pˈɑlətˌɪks/
Syllabes et accentuation
polit - ics (2 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (polit)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: politics
- Plural: politics
Famille de mots
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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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
Exemples
- 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.