politic

[ pol-i-tik ]

/ ˈpɒl ɪ tɪk /

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adjective

shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.

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

political: the body politic.

Nearby words

politburo, polite, politely, politesse, politian, politic, political, political action committee, political action committees, political asylum, political correctness

Origin of politic

1375–1425; late Middle English politik < Middle French politique < Latin polīticus < Greek polītikós civic, equivalent to polī́t(ēs) citizen (see polity) + -ikos -ic

SYNONYMS FOR politic

1 astute, ingenius; wary, discreet.

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ANTONYMS FOR politic

1 imprudent; indiscreet, tactless.

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Related forms

pol·i·tic·ly, adverbo·ver·pol·i·tic, adjectivepre·pol·i·tic, adjectivepseu·do·pol·i·tic, adjective

qua·si-pol·i·tic, adjective

Can be confusedpolitic politicalpolitically politicly

Synonym study

1. See diplomatic.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for politic

At 29, he is again one of the top skaters, riding pro for Politic boards, which has one bearing his name.
The Fall and Rise of Skateboarder Danny Renaud|Michael Daly|August 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Electoral College may be imperfect, but its moderating influence on the American politic should not be laughed off too easily.
Could Abolishing the Electoral College Help Republicans?|Justin Green|January 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The goal apparently remains the elimination of Israel, but it is not politic to say so publicly.
One State, Two States|Steven Bayme|March 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Just now, it was a question with him whether or not it would be politic to fill this office.
The Octopus|Frank Norris

"There is my right hand," answered Albornoz, too politic to heed the insinuation.
Rienzi|Edward Bulwer Lytton
The exhibition was more amusing than politic, and Tete Rouge was directed to finish what he had to say as soon as possible.
The Oregon Trail|Francis Parkman, Jr.
Strong Arm was politic enough to appear to approve the project, but secretly she was anxious to save the French.
Historical Tales, Vol. 2 (of 15)|Charles Morris
Besides, (continued the Tribune, in a calmer tone,) this seems to me politic as well as daring.
Rienzi|Edward Bulwer Lytton

British Dictionary definitions for politic

politic

/ (ˈpɒlɪtɪk) /

adjective

artful or shrewd; ingeniousa politic manager

crafty or unscrupulous; cunninga politic old scoundrel

sagacious, wise, or prudent, esp in statesmanshipa politic choice

an archaic word for political

Word Origin for politic

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for politic (1 of 2)

politic

adj.

early 15c., "pertaining to public affairs," from Middle French politique "political" (14c.) and directly from Latin politicus "of citizens or the state, civil, civic," from Greek politikos "of citizens, pertaining to the state and its administration; pertaining to public life," from polites "citizen," from polis "city" (see polis). Replaced in most adjectival senses by political. From mid-15c. as "prudent, judicious."

Word Origin and History for politic (1 of 2)

politic

also politick, "to engage in political activity," 1917, a back-formation from politics. Related: Politicked; politicking (for the -k- see picnic).

politic

adjective

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of politic

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for politic

British Dictionary definitions for politic

politic

adjective

Word Origin for politic

Word Origin and History for politic (1 of 2)

politic

Word Origin and History for politic (1 of 2)

politic