politician
pol-ih-TIHSH-uhn
Politician (noun) means a person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office. Example: “Every politician in the town hall was asked about the new bus route.”
noun
1
A person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office.
"Every politician in the town hall was asked about the new bus route."
"My aunt became a local politician after years of volunteering in the community."
"The politician promised to lower taxes if elected."
"Politicians should serve the country's interest."
2
Someone skilled or overly focused on maneuvering for advantage within an organization.
"Our manager is such a politician that nobody knows what she really thinks."
"You have to be a bit of a politician to get a project approved here."
"He's a real politician in the office, always managing who likes him."
How to use politician
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who works in government, or, informally, someone who plays social/office politics skillfully.
Common pairings
career politician
seasoned politician
act like a politician
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Word forms
- Plural
- politicians
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Every _____ in the town hall was asked about the new bus route.
Etymology
From politic + the suffix -ian.
Related words
Rhymes for politician
See all rhymes for politician →Frequently asked questions
What does “politician” mean?
The word “politician” means a person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office. In plain terms, someone who works in government, or, informally, someone who plays social/office politics skillfully.
How do you pronounce “politician”?
“Politician” is pronounced pol-ih-TIHSH-uhn (/ˌpɑ.ləˈtɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “politician” in a sentence?
Here is “politician” used in a sentence: “The politician promised to lower taxes if elected.”
What is another word for “politician”?
Words with a similar meaning to “politician” include politico.
What part of speech is “politician”?
“Politician” is a noun.
Is “politician” a common word?
“Politician” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “politician” have?
“Politician” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office.
What is the difference between a politician and a statesman?
Both hold or seek public office, but 'politician' is a neutral or sometimes negative term for anyone active in political life. 'Statesman' is a respectful term for an experienced, principled leader admired for wisdom and for putting the public good first.
What is the difference between a politician and a diplomat?
A politician holds or seeks elected or appointed government office, usually within their own country's politics. A diplomat represents that country's interests abroad and manages relations with other nations, often as an appointed rather than elected official.
Why is 'politician' sometimes used as an insult?
Beyond its literal meaning, 'politician' can describe someone skilled or overly focused on maneuvering for advantage within an organization. Used this way, it suggests self-interest and manipulation rather than genuine public service.
What is the difference between a politician and a policymaker?
A politician holds or seeks government office and is often chosen by election. A policymaker is anyone who helps shape official policy, which can include unelected officials and advisers, so not every policymaker is a politician.
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