political
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “political” mean?
adjective.relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing governance, social issues, or civic engagement, emphasizing the influence of policies on society and individual lives. It suggests not just a connection to government, but also the interplay of ideologies and power dynamics, distinguishing it from terms like "social," which may focus more on community or interpersonal relationships than on formal structures of authority.
Common Confusions
Political implies a focus on government and governance, while social usually suggests a focus on community and interpersonal relationships.
Do not choose political if the context emphasizes personal opinions or private matters rather than relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.
Example Sentences
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The speech addressed key political issues facing the nation.