politic
UK /ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪk/ · US /ˈpɑ.lɪ.tɪk/ adjective, noun
Also a form of politick
Forms politics politicking politicked politick
- adjective (archaic) Of or relating to polity, or civil government; political. “the body politic”
- adjective (archaic, of things) Relating to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong. “a politic treaty”
- adjective (archaic) Sagacious in promoting a policy; ingenious in devising and advancing a system of management; devoted to a scheme or system rather than to a principle; hence, in a good sense, wise; prudent; sagacious
- adjective Shrewd, prudent and expedient; showing policy.
- adjective Discreet and diplomatic.
- adjective Artful, crafty or cunning.
- noun (archaic) A politician.
- noun A politics; a set of political beliefs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle French politique, from Latin polīticus, from Ancient Greek πολιτικός (politikós), from πολίτης (polítēs, “citizen”). Cognate with German politisch (“political”). Doublet of politico.
Back-formation from politicking.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Of or pertaining to polity, or civil government; political; as, the body politic. See under Body.
- adjective Pertaining to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong; --said of things; as, a politic treaty. "Enrich'd with politic grave counsel." Shak.
- noun A politician. [Archaic] Bacon.
Etymology [L. politicus political, Gr. politique. See Police, and cf. ePolitical.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “politic”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details