politic
Noun pluralpolitics
Pluralpolitics
- 1Wise and careful, choosing what works best in a tricky situation.
Like choosing your words carefully so you don't upset anyone.
It was politic of her to thank everyone before asking for a favor.
Staying quiet about his error was the politic thing to do.
Similarprudent, shrewd, judicious, expedient, wise
Oppositeimpolitic, imprudent, unwise, injudicious
Note
- 2Careful and tactful in what you say, so you do not upset people.
Like smoothing things over with kind words instead of starting a fight.
He gave a politic answer that avoided taking sides.
Being politic, she changed the subject before the argument grew.
Similardiplomatic, tactful, discreet, judicious
Oppositetactless, undiplomatic, indiscreet, blunt
Note
- 3
- 4
- 5Another way to spell politick. It means to take part in political activity.
Candidates politic hard in the weeks before an election.
They politic at every county fair to win votes.
Note
- 6Good at planning and running a system in a clever, wise way.
Like a smart manager who keeps everything running well.
The politic old steward managed the estate with great skill.
I have been politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy
c. 1598, William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”Here, politic means wise and careful in how you handle people.Note
- 7Made to fit a plan well and reach its goal, whether good or bad.
Like a plan built just right to get the job done.
The treaty was a politic move that strengthened the young nation.
For then this land was famously enrich'd / With politic grave counsel
c. 1593, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third:”Here, politic means well planned to serve the country's policy.Note
- 8Having to do with government and how a country is run.
The politic affairs of the city were managed by elected men.
[H]e with his people made all but one politic body whereof himself was the head
a. 1587, Philip Sidney, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia]Here, politic means having to do with the state and how it is governed.Note
- 9A person who works in politics or government.
The old politic gave a long speech about the new tax.
to speake truly of politikes & Statesmen
1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates”Here, politikes means politicians, people who work in government.Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
It came from Latin politicus, which came from Greek politikos, from polites meaning 'citizen'.
It was made from the word 'politicking'.