policy

¹

[pol-uh-see]

noun

plural

policies 

1. a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc..

   We have a new company policy.

   Synonyms: rule, principle, strategy

2. a course of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party, etc..

   our nation's foreign policy.

3. action or procedure conforming to or considered with reference to prudence or expediency.

   It was good policy to consent.

4. prudence or expediency; shrewdness.

   Showing great policy, he pitted his enemies against one another.

   Synonyms: wit, calculation, acumen, prudence
   Antonyms: naiveté

5. Rare.,  government; polity.

policy

²

[pol-uh-see]

noun

plural

policies 

1. a document embodying a contract of insurance.

2. a method of gambling in which bets are made on numbers to be drawn by lottery.

3. numbers pool.

policy

¹

/ ˈpɒlɪsɪ /

noun

1. a plan of action adopted or pursued by an individual, government, party, business, etc

2. wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity

3. (often plural) the improved grounds surrounding a country house

policy

²

/ ˈpɒlɪsɪ /

noun

1. a document containing a contract of insurance

Word History and Origins

Origin of policy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English policie “art of government, government, civil administration,” from Middle French, from Latin polītīa polity

Origin of policy²

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French police “written proof, documentary evidence,” (from Italian polizza, from Medieval Latin apodissa, apodīxa “receipt, security,” ultimately from Greek apódeixis “a showing or setting forth”; apodictic, -sis ) + -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of policy¹

C14: from Old French policie, from Latin polītīa administration, _polity

Origin of policy²

C16: from Old French police certificate, from Old Italian polizza, from Latin apodixis proof, from Greek apodeixis demonstration, proof

Example Sentences

It's a conflict that could have a significant impact not just on health policy in the US but across the world.

From BBC

Max's privacy policy states it can pass information to third parties and government bodies, potentially giving access to the security services or making user data vulnerable to leaks.

From BBC

Core tenets of his economic policies were under strain.

From Los Angeles Times

The representative declined to comment on the reason for the policy beyond the statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Last fall, the state sued the southeastern Los Angeles County community alleging that Norwalk’s policy violated anti-discrimination, fair housing and numerous other state laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action 
• administration 
• approach 
• arrangement 
• behavior 
• code 
• guideline 
• management 
• method 
• plan 
• practice 
• program 
• protocol 
• rule 
• scheme 
• strategy 
• theory 

When To Use

What does policy mean?

Policy most commonly refers to a rule or plan of action, especially an official one adopted and followed by a group, organization, or government.Policy is most commonly used in the context of laws (government policy), a country’s course of action toward others (foreign policy), and the standards or rules that all members of an organization must follow (such as company policy and school policy). Policy also has several other meanings, including an insurance contract.Example: Management encourages carpooling, but they haven’t made it an official company policy yet.