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

Other Word Forms

• politicly adverb
• overpolitic adjective
• prepolitic adjective
• pseudopolitic adjective
• quasi-politic 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

In other words, what our body politic is facing today is not substantively new; it’s only perceptually new to those who’ve never before been subject to the whims of a place like Tallahassee.

From Salon

The Epstein scandal may prove to be the tie that binds — or, to extend the metaphor, the first political bloodletting that has universal appeal since Nixon was expelled from the body politic.

From Salon

We are affirmed in the knowledge that we are the body politic.

From Los Angeles Times

We are no longer at the level of right-wing conspiracy theory invading the body politic or contaminating government policy — admittedly, that’s been true for years.

From Salon

Afflicted by the disease of authoritarianism, the body politic begins to stumble, perhaps to fall.

From Salon