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DictionaryRoot: -ikos
Greek

-ikos

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ikos
  • -ic — The ending shortened as Greek words entered Latin, French, and English.

Origin

Greek -ikos continued an older Indo-European ending used to describe a connection or kind.

Note

English extended this borrowed ending to newly coined words.

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adjective

political

Relating to government, public power, or competition for influence.

The candidates discuss political issues at a public debate.

Etymology
politicGreekof citizens or civic affairs
+alEnglishconnected with

The Greek civic adjective underlies the word. Political applies it to government, public authority, and the efforts through which people gain or exercise that authority.

More examples

  • Their political views differ, but they remain close friends.
  • The union uses its political influence to push for safer workplaces.
  • Office promotions sometimes depend on political alliances rather than performance.

Forms

political

politically adverb — In matters involving government or public power.

politics noun — Activities involving government and competition for power.

Similar words

governmental
Concerns official government institutions rather than broader struggles for influence.
partisan
Emphasizes loyalty to a particular political party or faction.