policy
PAH-luh-see
/ˈpɑːləsi/
A deliberate course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business, or individual.
Represents high-level principles, aims, or protocols rather than individual, ad-hoc decisions.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Greek 'polis' (city-state) and 'politeia' (citizenship/government). Through Latin 'politia' and Old French 'policie', it originally referred to public administration before narrowing in the 15th century to mean a settled course of action.
Word relationships
- strategy: 'Strategy' focuses on tactical plans to achieve a specific competitive or long-term objective.
- guideline: 'Guideline' refers to recommended practice rather than an official binding position.
- improvisation: 'Improvisation' implies acting without plan or precedent.
- indecision: 'Indecision' represents the inability to settle on a course of action.
Commonly confused with
- polity: 'Policy' is a plan or course of action; 'polity' refers to an organized political entity or government body.
Word family
- policymaker (noun): A person responsible for formulating policy.
Collocations
- foreign policy
- public policy
- adopt a policy
- implement a policy
Idioms & expressions
- honesty is the best policy
Example sentences
- "The ministry announced a new foreign policy aimed at fostering regional economic cooperation." Public Administration
- "Honesty is the best policy." Literature
Memory hook
POLICE enforce the POLICY of the POLIS (city). The settled course for governing the city.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a statute or single law, although policies can be codified into law.
Fun facts
- An insurance 'policy' comes from a completely different root: Italian 'polizza' (a receipt or written proof).
Related words
Explore more words
rationale, implementation, governance, govern, doctrine, deliberative
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