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practical politics

practical politics

1 4.2
Actions by people in government that focus on solving real problems, not ideas
  • noun
  • /ˈpræktɪkəl ˈpɒlɪtɪks/
translation icon : política práctica
  • Part 2 is a guide to practical politics, offering ways to gain access to power in a community.
  • matter of practical politics
  • practical politics and principle

Examples

  • There was no professional stigma attached to practical politics.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Yet despite philosophical and constitutional denial of group differences, in practical politics they remain firmly entrenched.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The other reason to avoid that level is that, in practical politics, these factors count very little.

    Blog text (30)
  • For Reagan, this became a matter of practical politics as well as diplomatic necessity.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The Second Generation, according to Hart, shifted the focus from abstract philosophy to practical politics.

    Academic text (1992)
  • In practical politics, all political ideas and principles, or sets of ideas and principles, came to be identified as ideologies.

    Academic text (1990)
  • But from the standpoint of practical politics alone, tackling the "color revolution" virus at its source would merit involvement.

    Blog text (24)
  • Many young candidates already seem to understand this lesson of practical politics.

  • Practical politics is never far from the surface in Washington, particularly on Capitol Hill.

  • When it comes to practical politics, Mr. Zhirinovsky has a knack for entangling himself in contradictions.

Synonyms

pragmatism
vspractical politics
14 5.6

A practical way of solving problems that focuses on what works

applies this problem solving approach specifically to political decision making
realpolitik
vspractical politics
  • Formal
5 9.6

A way of making political decisions that focuses on practical results rather than moral ideas

is broader political action focused on practical concerns rather than formal doctrine

Antonyms

30 5.6

Belief in following high moral goals even when not practical

How Practical

realpolitik
  • Formal
5 9.6
practical politics
1 4.2
ideological
161 6.7
metapolitics
  • Formal
9.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

practical + politics

The meaning 'politics concerned mainly with practical concerns' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'practical' (relating to real-world use) with 'politics' (governmental affairs). This adjective–noun compositional pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun practical politics comes from the image of practical people doing politics as hands-on work. Imagine leaders fixing roads, making deals, or solving everyday problems, so it means 'politics' that focuses on real tasks and compromise rather than on 'theory'.