Polity Meaning and Definition
Polity
Pronunciation
/ˈpɒlɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A stable system of government, of laws and institutions, or of regulations and habits that affect the lives of a group of people, often a state, society, or community.
Examples
- The new polity in the country has brought about significant changes to the economic sector.
- The study of polity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of global governance.
Synonyms
- State
- Society
Antonyms
- Anarchy
- Lawlessness
Etymology
The word “polity” comes from the Latin “politia”, meaning “civil society” or “commonwealth”. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe systems of government and governance.
Usage Notes
Polity is often used in academic and professional contexts to refer to formal systems of government and institutions. It can also be used more broadly to describe any system of laws, regulations, and social norms that govern a group of people.
Cultural References
The term “polity” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, film, and politics. For example, in the novel “1984” by George Orwell, the character Winston Smith refers to the dystopian government as a “polity”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Watch your Ps and Qs: This phrase is often used to advise someone to be careful and mindful of their behavior, particularly in formal or professional situations. It comes from the Latin phrase “custodia pudorum et quieterum”, which means “guarding modesty and quietude”.
Related Words or Phrases
Laws, regulations, governance, government, institution
Collocations
polity and governance, polity and government, polity and laws
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the term “polity” is relatively low in everyday language, but it is more common in academic and professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
politie, politicy, poltity