politically
UK[pəˈlɪtɪkli]US[pəˈlɪtɪkli]
adv
in a way that relates to the government or public affairs of a country
adv
in a way that relates to the gaining or using of power in a political party or organization
adv
in a way that is sensible and likely to lead to success, especially in a particular situation
Morpheme Breakdown
politic
al
ly
politic
relating to government
al
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word "politically" is built upon the ancient greek concept of the polis, or city-state, which was the fundamental unit of civic life and governance. the greek adjective politikos described matters pertaining to citizens and the administration of the polis. this term passed into latin as politicus and eventually into english as "politic," initially meaning "prudent in statecraft." the addition of the adjectival suffix "-al" created "political," broadening the sense to anything concerning government or public policy. finally, the old english adverbial suffix "-ly" was appended, transforming it into "politically," which describes actions or perspectives conducted in a manner relating to governance, power dynamics, or strategic public life.
Analysis
Structure: politic (relating to government) + al (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- politic: from latin politicus, from greek politikos meaning "of a citizen or the state," from polites (citizen), from polis (city). functions as the core root.
- al: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by."
- ly: an old english-derived suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, meaning "in a specified manner."
Examples
the decision was more politically motivated than economically sound.
she is very politically active and campaigns for several causes.
it would be politically difficult to raise taxes just before an election.