politic

[ pol-i-tik ]
See synonyms for politic on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.

  2. contrived in a shrewd and practical way; expedient: a politic reply.

  1. political: the body politic.

Origin of politic

1
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English politik, from Middle French politique, from Latin polīticus, from Greek polītikós “civic,” from polī́t(ēs) “citizen” (see polity) + -ikos -ic

synonym study For politic

1. See diplomatic.

Other words for politic

Opposites for politic

Other words from politic

  • pol·i·tic·ly, adverb
  • o·ver·pol·i·tic, adjective
  • pre·pol·i·tic, adjective
  • pseu·do·pol·i·tic, adjective
  • qua·si-pol·i·tic, adjective

Words that may be confused with politic

Words Nearby politic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use politic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for politic

politic

/ (ˈpɒlɪtɪk) /


adjective
  1. artful or shrewd; ingenious: a politic manager

  2. crafty or unscrupulous; cunning: a politic old scoundrel

  1. sagacious, wise, or prudent, esp in statesmanship: a politic choice

  2. an archaic word for political

Origin of politic

1
C15: from Old French politique, from Latin polīticus concerning civil administration, from Greek politikos, from politēs citizen, from polis city

Derived forms of politic

  • politicly, adverb

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