politician

[ pol-i-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who is active in party politics.
2. a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
3. a person who holds a political office.
4. a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
5. an expert in politics or political government.
6. a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.

politician

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. a person actively engaged in politics, esp a full-time professional member of a deliberative assembly
2. a person who is experienced or skilled in the art or science of politics, government, or administration; statesman
3. derogatory.
   a person who engages in politics out of a wish for personal gain, as realized by holding a public office

Other Words From

• nonpol·i·tician noun
• self-poli·tician noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of politician¹

From the French word politicien, dating back to 1580–90. See politic, -ian

Synonym Study

Politician, statesman refer to one skilled in politics. These terms differ particularly in their connotations; politician is more often derogatory, and statesman laudatory. Politician suggests the schemes and devices of a person who engages in (especially small) politics for party ends or for one's own advantage: a dishonest politician. Statesman suggests the eminent ability, foresight, and unselfish patriotic devotion of a person dealing with (especially important or great) affairs of state: a distinguished statesman.

Example Sentences

In an emotional tribute, the UUP politician said Mr Reid had faced his illness “with his usual good humour”.

From BBC

“That’s why politicians make fear appeals — they want people to get engaged.”

From Los Angeles Times

The collective angst has so far not resulted in a massive protest and, as the Supreme Court once observed, politicians just “pass the buck” and wait for the season to get over.

From BBC

But in a post on the social media platform X after the appointment announcement, the politician echoed Trump when he said at EPA he would strive for U.S. “energy dominance.”

From Science Magazine

A plain-spoken farmer and Montana native who famously lost three of his fingers in a childhood meat-grinding accident, his buzz cut and ample belly make him no one’s idea of a slick, poll-tested politician.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• congressperson
• lawmaker
• leader
• legislator
• member of Congress
• officeholder
• president
• representative
• senator

More About Politician

What does politician mean?

A politician is a person who holds or is seeking political office as an elected government official.

The word is most commonly used in the context of politicians campaigning, giving speeches, and promoting themselves, as opposed to the activities that they do as part of being a government official—voting, debating issues, and working to find solutions to problems (in which case a politician might be called a representative or officeholder—or a legislator or lawmaker, if they work in a lawmaking capacity).

The word politician is often used in a negative way. That’s because being a politician is often associated with attempting to be likeable to the largest possible group of people (voters) in order to get elected and gain influence—and perhaps doing so for one’s own benefit, instead of the public.

Politicians are often affiliated with political parties and associated with party politics, which involve the strict adherence to the policies and principles of a political party, regardless of the public interest, often resulting in partisanship.

The word politician is also commonly used in a figurative way to refer to a person who’s particularly skilled at navigating the politics—the activities involving gaining and maintaining power and influence—of a certain situation, such as the workplace. Calling someone a politician in this way usually implies that they are good at building support, especially with the goal of helping them to further some agenda or boost or maintain their power in that setting. However, it also usually implies that such a person is at least somewhat dishonest or fake (like many real politicians are often accused of being). The word is often applied in this way to someone who tells people what they want to hear in order to gain power or influence.

When someone says that an elected official is “not a politician” (even though they obviously are in the literal sense), they usually mean that that person is exactly as they seem—they’re not presenting an artificial public persona.

Example: We need to demand more substance from our politicians, who should be focusing on the real issues instead of scoring political points with their supporters.

Where does politician come from?

The first records of the word politician come from the late 1500s. It ultimately derives from the Greek polītikós, which means “civil” and is related to the Greek polī́t(ēs), “citizen.” The suffix –ian is used in words that refer to a person who works in a specific field, such as historian and electrician.

Being a politician involves getting elected, and getting elected requires convincing a lot of people to vote for you. This means that politicians often try to avoid doing or saying things that will alienate any large group of people who are likely to vote for them. For that reason, politicians are known for avoiding strong stances on issues in order to continue trying to earn the support of as many people as possible.

The term career politician refers to a representative who has spent a long time as an elected official and usually implies that they haven’t accomplished much other than continuing to get elected.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for politician?

• elected official
• representative
• officeholder
• politico
• pol
• lawmaker
• legislator
• statesman
• stateswoman

What are some words that share a root or word element with politician? 

• politic
• politics
• political

What are some words that often get used in discussing politician?

• elected
• public servant
• leader
• career
• partisan
• greedy
• conservative
• liberal
• independent
• corrupt
• local

How is politician used in real life?

The literal sense of politician can be used neutrally or in a negative way. The figurative sense of politician is often used negatively.

The future is the sum of the changes we demand, the courage we display, and how we stand with and for each other.

Some greedy politicians aim to divide us, but we’re #GreaterThanFear and will not play their dog-whistle game.#WeMakeMN's future by being voters. pic.twitter.com/pOtnUR8WDB

— Faith In Minnesota (@minnesota_faith) October 20, 2020

Here’s a word that I’ll be mentioning a lot in months to come:

Accountability

Politicians in democratic governments are accountable for their actions —whether they want to be or not.

If they’re not held accountable, corruption follows.

Like now.

Let’s see what’s to come.

— Dr. Joanne Freeman (@jbf1755) October 19, 2020

Why doesn't Phil Spencer just say that Bethesda games won't be on PS5 instead of being all wishy washy about it?

I like him but he's such a politician.

— 🔸️ Nicola 🔸️ (@Nick_Marseil) October 16, 2020

 

 

Try using politician!

Which of the following words can be used as a synonym of politician?

A. lawmaker
B. officeholder
C. representative
D. all of the above