expedient
[ ik-spee-dee-uhnt ]
/ ɪkˈspi di ənt /
adjective
tending to promote some proposed or desired object; fit or suitable for the purpose; proper under the circumstances: It is expedient that you go.
conducive to advantage or interest, as opposed to right.
acting in accordance with expediency, or what is advantageous.
noun
a means to an end: The ladder was a useful expedient for getting to the second floor.
a means devised or employed in an exigency; resource; shift: Use any expedients you think necessary to get over the obstacles in your way.
Nearby words
expectorant, expectorate, expectoration, expediate, expediency, expedient, expediential, expediently, expeditate, expedite, expediter
Origin of expedient
SYNONYMS FOR expedient
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for expedient
British Dictionary definitions for expedient
expedient
/ (ɪkˈspiːdɪənt) /
adjective
suitable to the circumstances; appropriate
inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just
noun Also: expediency
something suitable or appropriate, esp something used during an urgent situation
Derived Formsexpediently, adverb
Word Origin for expedient
C14: from Latin expediēns setting free; see expedite
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for expedient
expedient
late 14c., "advantageous, fit, proper," from Old French expedient (14c.) or directly from Latin expedientem (nominative expediens) "beneficial," present participle of expedire "make fit or ready, prepare" (see expedite).
The noun meaning "a device adopted in an exigency, a resource" is from 1650s. Related: Expediential (1836); expedientially (1873); expediently (late 14c.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper