Reading Theme:
Politics Meaning: Definitions and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：governance activities (politics)
politics
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks/
n.
The activities and ideas related to governing a country or area, including making decisions and laws, and managing relations with other countries.
governance activities
➕
/ˈɡʌv.ər.nəns ækˈtɪv.ɪ.tiz/
n.
The activities and ideas related to governing a country or area, including making decisions and laws, and managing relations with other countries.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'politikos' (of citizens), from 'polis' (city-state).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'polis' (city) + 'tics' (like strategies) — the art of running a city.
📖 Example
He decided to study politics at university because he wanted to understand how countries make important decisions.
He decided to study politics at university because he wanted to understand how countries make important decisions.
🔗 Collocations
engage in politics – to participate in political activities
politics and government – the field of political science and public administration
party politics – political activities within a specific party
🔄 Synonyms
government (n.) – the system or group governing a state
statesmanship (n.) – skill in managing public affairs
political science (n.) – the academic study of politics
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
political (adj.) – relating to politics
politician (n.) – a person involved in politics
politicize (v.) – to make something political
📖 Cultural Story
Aristotle's treatise 'Politics' (4th century BCE) defined the study of city-state governance. The word entered English via Latin and French, shaping modern political discourse.
Meaning 2：strategic maneuvering in groups (politics)
politics
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪks/
n.
The activities and relationships within a group, involving using strategies to gain power or advantages, often seen in workplaces or organizations.
strategic maneuvering in groups
➕
/strəˈtiːdʒɪk məˈnuːvərɪŋ ɪn ɡruːps/
n.
The activities and relationships within a group, involving using strategies to gain power or advantages, often seen in workplaces or organizations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She was good at her job, but she disliked the office politics and all the behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
She was good at her job, but she disliked the office politics and all the behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
🔗 Collocations
office politics – the use of influence and tactics in a workplace
internal politics – power struggles within an organization
organizational politics – the informal power dynamics in a company
🔄 Synonyms
manipulation (n.) – controlling or influencing someone unfairly
scheming (n.) – crafty planning to achieve an aim
power play (n.) – an attempt to assert dominance
🚫 Antonyms
cooperation (n.) – working together for mutual benefit
transparency (n.) – openness and lack of hidden agendas
🌱 Derivatives
political (adj.) – relating to power dynamics in a group
politically (adv.) – in a way related to politics or maneuvering
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