Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to government or public affairs: "Political" describes anything connected to the governance of a country, state, or area, including its policies, institutions, and administration.
   • Relating to the ideas, strategies, or activities of people or groups seeking to gain or hold power in a government: It pertains to the views, opinions, and actions associated with political parties, politicians, and the process of governing.
   • Characterized by or involving shrewd or crafty maneuvering for power or influence within an organization: This sense describes actions or situations where people seek advantage, often in a calculated way, within any structured group.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She decided to pursue a political career. (She chose a profession related to government or public office.)
  • The debate focused on key political issues like healthcare and education. (The discussion centered on matters of government policy.)
  • His resignation was a purely political move. (His decision to resign was a strategic action related to gaining or maintaining power.)

Advanced Usage

• "Political animal": a person who is very interested, skilled, or active in politics.
  • The senator is a true political animal, always campaigning.
• "Political football": an issue that is exploited by opposing parties for political advantage, without sincere concern for the issue itself.
  • Education funding should not become a political football.
• "Political correctness": the avoidance of language or actions perceived as excluding, marginalizing, or insulting groups of people.
  • The discussion about political correctness is ongoing in many universities.

Variants and Related Words

• Politically (adverb): in a way that relates to politics.
  • The decision was politically motivated.
• Politics (noun): the activities associated with the governance of a country, or the academic study of these activities.
  • He has no interest in politics.
• Politician (noun): a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office.
  • The politician gave a speech to her constituents.

Synonyms

• Governmental: relating to the government.
• Partisan: strongly supporting a particular party, cause, or person, often showing bias.
• Diplomatic: using tact and skill in dealing with people, often in an official context (can overlap with the strategic sense of "political").

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Political" is primarily an adjective and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The related noun "politics" is used in such constructions.) - Play politics: to act for personal or partisan advantage rather than on principle. - We need a leader who will solve problems, not just play politics.

Related Idioms

• The body politic: the people of a nation, state, or society considered as a collective political entity.
  • The scandal shocked the entire body politic.
• Political suicide: an action that is likely to end a politician's career.
  • Voting against the popular bill would be political suicide.

Adjective

1. of or relating to the profession of governing
   • political career
2. of or relating to your views about social relationships involving authority or power
   • political opinions
3. involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
   • calling a meeting is a political act in itself- Daniel Goleman
   • political pressure
   • a political machine
   • political office
   • political policy