politics

Overview

Meaning Now

• The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.
• The principles and practices relating to the management of affairs within an organization or group.

Journey

The word derives from the 'Politics' (Ta Politika) of Aristotle, which was a collection of his treatises on city-state governance. Over centuries, the term transitioned from academic 'science of state' to the practical, often adversarial, struggle for influence.

Evolution

1. Ancient Greek

   politiká

   “matters of state”

   Neutural plural of politikos

2. Medieval Latin

   politica

   “the science of government”

3. Middle French

   politique

   “political”

4. 15th-century English

   politiques

   “the body of political knowledge”

   Initially treated as a singular mass noun based on the Greek form

Connections

Explore next

Related to politics

• police→
• policy→
• politician→