politic

[ pol-i-tik ]

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.

politic

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈpoliticly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of politic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of politic¹

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

Synonym Study

See diplomatic.

Example Sentences

So, in 2020 the American body politic, with the influence of a real virus, shook off its political virus.

From Salon

When this is accomplished at scale it will help to insulate our body politic from the kinds of political manipulation we have just experienced.

From Salon

Plenty will just want to disengage from the body politic, but that’s how Trump and his enablers succeed.

From Salon

The media injected Donald Trump’s fear and hate into the body politic Sunday in Madison Square Garden.

From Salon

They say calling Trump what he is — a pendant authoritarian, a convicted criminal, an enabler of the worst and most dangerous elements of our body politic — constitutes a death threat, not a description.

From Salon