Definition of 'political'

Word Frequency

political

(pəlɪtɪkəl )

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Political means relating to the way power is achieved and used in a country or society.

All other political parties there have been completely banned.

The Canadian government is facing another political crisis.

...a democratic political system.

Abortion is once again a controversial political and moral issue.

Synonyms: governmental, government, state, parliamentary More Synonyms of political

politically (pəlɪtɪkli ) adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb, ADVERB with verb]

They do not believe the killings were politically motivated.

Politically and economically this is an extremely difficult question.

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Video: pronunciation of 'political'

Word Frequency

political in British

(pəˈlɪtɪkəl )

adjective

of or relating to the state, government, the body politic, public administration, policy-making, etc

of, involved in, or relating to government policy-making as distinguished from administration or law

of or relating to the civil aspects of government as distinguished from the military

of, dealing with, or relating to politics

a political person

of, characteristic of, or relating to the parties and the partisan aspects of politics

organized or ordered with respect to government

a political unit

Derived forms

politically (poˈlitically)

adverb

Word Frequency

political in American

(pəˈlɪtɪkəl )

adjective

of or concerned with government, the state, or politics

having a definite governmental organization

engaged in or taking sides in politics

political parties

of or characteristic of political parties or politicians

political pressure

Derived forms

politically (poˈlitically)

adverb

Word origin of 'political'

< L politicus (see politic) + -al

Example sentences containing 'political'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

One is about a political resolution and the other is about a ceasefire. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But raw political power is also in play. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Who said all political careers end in failure? Times, Sunday Times (2016)Western leaders are paralysed by political correctness. The Sun (2016)Why did we need a new model for the modern political system? Smithsonian Mag (2017)This makes political but not economic sense. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The unarmed police constables who stopped him said he told them that he was a political activist. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But his opinion of the way the political classes view the arts is not high. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It annoys people when cronies of the government get gongs for service to a political party not the nation. The Sun (2017)The new emphasis on conventional warfare has also raised questions about political control of conflict. Mcinnes, Colin & Sheffield G.D (eds.) Warfare in the Twentieth Century (1988)There is a strong political imperative behind this veto. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The role and power of political officers were downgraded. Times, Sunday Times (2013)These personal bonds determined the character of economic and political relations. Divine, Robert A. (editor) & Breen, T. H & Frederickson, George M & Williams, R. Hal America Past and Present (1995)The banking industry is in the middle of a political crisis. Times, Sunday Times (2012)It seemed driven by party political reasons with no real benefit in practice. Times, Sunday Times (2010)His work reflects wisdom purchased by eight years of western military and political folly. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Their purpose was to destroy the social and democratic political structure. Grenville, J. A. S. The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)This does appear to be a political issue. Times, Sunday Times (2012)It is haemorrhaging public and political support. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The conference season is often about political parties turning inwards and talking about themselves. Times, Sunday Times (2011)It suggests strong political power and gaining wealth through that power. Times, Sunday Times (2006)May has a record of winning political power struggles. Times, Sunday Times (2012)But the political opinions of civil servants are as diverse as those of the population at large. Wright, Vincent The Government and Politics of France (1989)The presidential election will be conducted against a backdrop of seismic political and economic turmoil. Times, Sunday Times (2014)His interests were less political and military than they had been during the war. Charles Glass The Tribes Triumphant (2006)Political leaders seemed powerless to act. John Cassidy DOT.CON (2001)His political career lasted over 60 years. Christianity Today (2000)His political career ended in an innings defeat, but he enjoyed most of it. Times, Sunday Times (2007)We got caught up in the political crisis that has followed Brexit. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It is brazen in stamping down on any political party which doesn't toe its line. The Sun (2016)The list of the French dead read like a roll call of the military and political leaders of the past generation. Times, Sunday Times (2015)