politic

[pol-i-tik] /ˈpɒl ɪ tɪk/
adjective
1.
shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.
2.
contrived in a shrewd and practical way; expedient:
a politic reply.
3.
political:
the body politic.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English politik < Middle French politique < Latin polīticus < Greek polītikós civic, equivalent to polī́t(ēs) citizen (see polity) + -ikos -ic
Related forms
politicly, adverb
overpolitic, adjective
prepolitic, adjective
pseudopolitic, adjective
quasi-politic, adjective
Can be confused
politic, political.
politically, politicly.
Synonyms
1. astute, ingenius; wary, discreet. See diplomatic.
Antonyms
1. imprudent; indiscreet, tactless.
Examples from the web for politic
  • Yes, noodle could have been more politic in making this point.
  • Such self-defeating policies may be the symptom of deeper flaws in the body politic.
  • It establishes a new relationship between the body politic and the public.
  • There are all kinds of false dichotomies in the body politic.
  • The remaining question is purely hypothetical, and perhaps it would be politic to refuse to answer it.
British Dictionary definitions for 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
See also body politic, politics
Derived Forms
politicly, adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Old French politique, from Latin polīticus concerning civil administration, from Greek politikos, from politēs citizen, from polis city
Word Origin and History for 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."

v.

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