politically

IPA/pəˈlɪtɪkli/
KK[pəlˈɪtɪkəli]IPA/pəˈlɪtɪkli/

politically — adverb

1. in a way connected with politics, government decisions, or the interests of poli

1.adverbC1
Definition

in a way connected with politics, government decisions, or the interests of political groups.

Example

Politically, the strike hurt the government more than the storm did.

sentence adverb: political point of view

Many voters saw the bridge plan as politically risky before the election.

pattern: politically + adjective

Common collocations
  • politically active
  • politically important
  • politically risky
  • politically sensitive
Synonyms
  • ideologically

    narrower; focuses on beliefs or principles behind a position

  • electorally

    narrower; used for effects on voting, campaigns, or election results

  • governmentally

    uncommon and narrower; focuses on official government action

Grammar Patterns

politically + adjective

politically + past participle

Politically, + clause

Usage Note

Often placed before adjectives such as active, risky, sensitive, and important. At the start of a sentence, it frames a point from a politics angle rather than a personal or moral one.

Common Mistakes

The plan is political risky before the election.
The plan is politically risky before the election.
use the adverb 'politically' before an adjective, not the adjective 'political'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Politically is the broadest of these adverbs. It simply places something in the world of politics, so it can describe parties, governments, public opinion, or power struggles. Ideologically is narrower and points to beliefs, values, or a fixed set of ideas behind an action or argument. Electorally is narrower still and is mainly about votes, campaigns, and winning or losing elections. Governmentally is uncommon and usually refers to the official actions of a government, not party debate or voter reaction. A reform can be politically risky, ideologically driven, or electorally useful, depending on what you want to stress. If a strike damages a ruling party, politically is the best choice.

ideologically ↗electorally ↗governmentally ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • politically active
  • politically important
  • politically risky
  • politically sensitive

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Politically was formed in English from political and the adverb ending -ly. Political came through French and Latin from Greek politikos, a word connected with citizens, the city, and public affairs. The adverb keeps that sense of dealing with public power, government, and party life.