politician
/ˌpɒl.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
polítēs — citizen
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.
- A person who acts in a manipulative or diplomatic way to gain power within an organization.
Literal older meaning
one who is concerned with the affairs of the city or state
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
politician
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The word traces back to the Greek 'polis' (city-state). In early modern English, 'politician' often carried a pejorative sense, implying someone who was crafty, scheming, or overly obsessed with policy, rather than just an administrator of public affairs.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
polítēs
“citizen”
- Latin
politicus
“civil, civic”
- Old French
politicien
“politician”
- English
politician
“one versed in policy”
originally often used with a negative connotation of craftiness
Connections
Word parts
politic
root
relating to the state
-ian
suffix
person concerned with or belonging to
Related across languages
French
politicien
politician
Italian
politico
politician
Related words
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Related to politician
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.