Political Meaning
Political Definition & Usage
Relating to government, politics, or the activities of governments, politicians, or political parties.
Examples
- "She works in political consulting for a major party."
- "The political situation in the country has become increasingly unstable."
- "Many political debates are focused on issues of national security."
- "He made a political decision to align himself with the most powerful faction."
- "Their political views are deeply divided, leading to constant conflict."
Concerned with or influenced by the actions, views, and policies of political figures or organizations.
Examples
- "The book examines the political implications of social media in modern society."
- "Her political beliefs were shaped by her experiences growing up in a divided community."
- "The organization’s stance on political correctness is controversial."
- "In the workplace, political correctness can sometimes limit free speech."
- "They debated the political correctness of the new advertising campaign."
Tactical, strategic, or aimed at influencing or manipulating the political situation for personal or group advantage.
Examples
- "He made a political move by joining the most popular faction."
- "Her political maneuvering ensured she was elected as the party leader."
- "In his political speech, he used emotional appeals to sway public opinion."
- "The decision to delay the vote was seen as a political strategy."
- "They accused the administration of making political decisions that favored their own party."
Cultural Context
The term 'political' has evolved over centuries, originating from the Latin 'politicus' (meaning 'of citizens or the state'). It has expanded to cover a broad range of topics beyond traditional government and policy-making, including social movements, ideologies, and strategies within organizations. Politics plays a key role in shaping societal structures and often intersects with various aspects of culture, such as media, economics, and personal identity.
The Political Divide
Story
The Political Divide
Sarah had always been fascinated by politics. It wasn’t just about elections or laws—it was about the very fabric of society, how power was wielded, and how different factions fought for influence. When she first moved to the city, she quickly became involved with a political group that aimed to reshape public policy around environmental issues. Their mission was clear: push for green energy solutions that could reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. But as the weeks passed, Sarah began to notice the political maneuvering within the group. What had initially appeared to be a simple, idealistic cause now felt more like a battleground. Friends turned rivals as each faction tried to leverage their positions for more influence in the upcoming city council elections. Even the language they used started to shift. What once were calls for ‘sustainable change’ were now ‘strategic moves to dominate the political arena’. At the heart of it all was the charismatic leader, Jonathan. He had a political knack for persuasion that seemed to sway people every time he spoke. His speeches, filled with emotional appeals, positioned him as a champion of the people, but Sarah could sense a darker side to his tactics. His political decisions, while seemingly progressive, always seemed to benefit his allies—those who helped him secure more power. One evening, as Sarah and her fellow activists sat in a meeting, Jonathan turned to her and said, 'You need to understand, Sarah. This isn’t just about being right. It’s about winning. Politics isn’t just about ideals; it’s about power. And power...well, it demands sacrifices.' For a moment, Sarah felt lost. Was it all just a game? Was the cause she believed in so tied to personal ambition and strategic moves that it had lost its original purity? As the meeting ended, Sarah walked out into the cool night air, feeling more conflicted than ever. She was beginning to understand what it meant to be truly 'political'—it was more than just an ideology; it was a complex web of strategies, manipulation, and, above all, power plays. The next day, Sarah made a bold decision. She would no longer be just a follower of the political movement. She would take control of her own political destiny, making decisions based on her principles, but always aware of the strategic forces at play. The future, she realized, was political—more so than she had ever imagined.
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