politics

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government

   unemployment dominated the politics of the inter-war years

2. 2
   noun

   social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power

   office politics is often counterproductive

3. 3
   noun

   A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement.

   There are by now many feminisms (Tong, 1989; Humm, 1992). [...] They are in shifting alliance or contest with postmodern critiques, which at times seem to threaten the very category 'women' and its possibilities for a feminist politics.

4. 4
   noun

   The profession of conducting political affairs.

   He made a career out of politics.

5. 5
   noun

   One's political stands and opinions.

   Their politics are clear from the bumper stickers on their cars.

6. 6
   noun

   Political maneuvers or diplomacy between people, groups, or organizations, especially involving power, standing, influence or conflict.

   There is no stability; only politics. The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good.

7. 7
   noun

   Real-world beliefs and social issues irrelevant to the topic at hand.

   We're trying to talk about comic books, don't mention politics.

8. 8
   noun

   the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs

Etymology

From the adjective politic, by analogy with Aristotle’s τά πολῑτῐκᾱ́ (tá polītĭkā́, “affairs of state”).