POLICY


Meaning of POLICY in English

/ ˈpɒləsi; NAmE ˈpɑːl-/ noun ( pl. -ies )

1.

[ C , U ] policy (on sth) a plan of action agreed or chosen by a political party, a business, etc. :

the present government's policy on education

The company has adopted a firm policy on shoplifting.

We have tried to pursue a policy of neutrality.

US foreign / domestic policy

They have had a significant change in policy on paternity leave.

a policy document

2.

[ C , U ] ( formal ) a principle that you believe in that influences how you behave; a way in which you usually behave :

She is following her usual policy of ignoring all offers of help.

( saying )

Honesty is the best policy.

3.

[ C ] a written statement of a contract of insurance :

Check the terms of the policy before you sign.

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WORD ORIGIN

senses 1 to 2 late Middle English : from Old French policie civil administration, via Latin from Greek politeia citizenship, from politēs citizen, from polis city.

sense 3 mid 16th cent.: from French police bill of lading, contract of insurance, from Provençal poliss(i)a , probably from medieval Latin apodissa , apodixa , based on Greek apodeixis evidence, proof, from apodeiknunai demonstrate, show.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.