politic
/ˈpɒlɪtɪk
/adjective
1(Of an action) seeming sensible and judicious in the circumstances: [with infinitive]: I did not think it politic to express my reservations...
- It is not uncommon for such types to feel impelled to state their vision of the truth boldly and uncompromisingly in circumstances where it would be more tactful and more politic to keep silent.
- She was just a little offended by the implications in his words and was suddenly bored with his arrogance and decided to get rid all the noble-sounding, diplomatic and politic speeches.
- Europeans need to remember that in many important ways they are playing catch-up to America, and that it might be more politic not to repeatedly claim to be wiser and more mature than everybody else.
Synonyms
wise, prudent, sensible, judicious, canny, well judged, sagacious, expedient, shrewd, astute, discreet, tactful, diplomatic;
recommended, advantageous, beneficial, profitable, gainful, desirable, advisable;
appropriate, suitable, fitting, apt, timely, opportune, propitious, provident
1.1 (also politick) archaic (Of a person) prudent and sagacious: Henry of Navarre was a resolute, active, and politick prince
verb (politics, politicking, politicked) [no object] (often as noun politicking) often derogatory
Engage in political activity: the cumbersome bureaucracy and politicking of the European Community...
- Do they start politicking, if you will, start talking to each other, campaigning for votes or helping others that they want?
- ‘Let us set aside bickering and politicking for at least one year,’ she said.
- Sounds like those volunteers were well within the 100-foot legal limit for politicking at the polls.
Derivatives
politicly
- Asked for his favourite martial arts movie, he politicly chooses one from each of his heroes: Jackie Chan's Police Story, Jet Li's Once Upon a Time in China, Bruce Lee's Way of the Dragon, and Panna Ritthikrai's Born to Fight.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French politique 'political', via Latin from Greek politikos, from politēs 'citizen', from polis 'city'.