politic

American  

[pol-i-tik] / ˈpɒl ɪ tɪk /

adjective

1. shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.

   Synonyms:

   discreet, wary, astute

   Antonyms:

   tactless, indiscreet, imprudent

2. contrived in a shrewd and practical way; expedient.

   a politic reply.

3. political.

   the body politic.

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politic British  

/ ˈpɒlɪtɪk /

adjective

1. artful or shrewd; ingenious

   a politic manager

2. crafty or unscrupulous; cunning

   a politic old scoundrel

3. sagacious, wise, or prudent, esp in statesmanship

   a politic choice

4. an archaic word for political

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Related Words

See diplomatic.

Other Word Forms

• overpolitic adjective
• politicly adverb
• prepolitic adjective
• pseudopolitic adjective
• quasi-politic adjective

Etymology

Origin of politic

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

Example Sentences

It was the most extreme expression of a wound to the body politic that has been allowed to fester.

From The Wall Street Journal

We are affirmed in the knowledge that we are the body politic.

From Los Angeles Times

As I continue this journey, I believe the most important strategy that has been omitted to date is holistic healing for our body politic.

From Salon

“If we possess anything important in our citizenship, it’s the ability to vote and to participate in the body politic of our localities in our nation,” Lacy said.

From Los Angeles Times

After the war ended, it resumed and became ever stronger in the Confederate portion of the body politic.

From Salon