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Definition of politician - 5 dictionary results

pol⋅i⋅ti⋅cian

[pol-i-tish-uhn]
–noun
1. a person who is active in party politics.
2. a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
3. a person who holds a political office.
4. a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
5. an expert in politics or political government.
6. a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.

Origin:
1580–90; < F politicien. See politic, -ian


4. Politician, statesman refer to one skilled in politics. These terms differ particularly in their connotations; politician is more often derogatory, and statesman laudatory. Politician suggests the schemes and devices of a person who engages in (esp. small) politics for party ends or for one's own advantage: a dishonest politician. Statesman suggests the eminent ability, foresight, and unselfish patriotic devotion of a person dealing with (esp. important or great) affairs of state: a distinguished statesman.
pol·i·ti·cian   (pŏl'ĭ-tĭsh'ən)   
n.  
    1. One who is actively involved in politics, especially party politics.
    2. One who holds or seeks a political office.
  1. One who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and maneuvering: "Mothers may still want their favorite sons to grow up to be President, but . . . they do not want them to become politicians in the process" (John F. Kennedy).
  2. One who is skilled or experienced in the science or administration of government.

Politician

Pol`i*ti"cian\, n. [Cf. F. politicien.]

1. One versed or experienced in the science of government; one devoted to politics; a statesman.

While empiric politicians use deceit. --Dryden.

2. One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public office, or to the success of a political party; -- used in a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics as managed by parties (see Politics, 2); a schemer; an intriguer; as, a mere politician.

Like a scurvy politician, seem To see the things thou dost not. --Shak.

The politician . . . ready to do anything that he apprehends for his advantage. --South.

Politician

Pol`i*ti"cian\, a. Cunning; using artifice; politic; artful. "Ill-meaning politician lords." --Milton.
Language Translation for : politician
Spanish: político,
German: der, *die Politiker(in),
Japanese: 政治家

politician 
1588, from politics (q.v.). Colloquial abbreviated form pol is attested from 1942. Alternate form politico (usually in a derogatory sense) is attested from 1630, from It. or Sp. politico, noun use of adj. meaning "political," from L. politicus (see politic).
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