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politic

/ˈpɑlətɪk/
/ˈpɒlɪtɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: politicly

If you are politic, you are smooth and diplomatic. You'd probably make a good politician.

Being politic is being polite and agreeable. Screaming and yelling is not politic. Speaking quietly, making apologies, and giving compliments are all politic things to do. When you want something, being politic is the way to go. It can definitely help to remember that politicians are good at getting what they want — they are shrewd and very politic.

Definitions of politic
  1. adjective
    marked by artful prudence, expedience, and shrewdness
    “it is neither polite nor politic to get into other people's quarrels”
    “a politic decision”
    “a politic manager”
    “a politic old scoundrel”
    “a shrewd and politic reply”
    synonyms:
    diplomatic, diplomatical
    using or marked by tact in dealing with sensitive matters or people
    expedient
    appropriate to a purpose; practical
    sagacious
    skillful in statecraft or management
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    impolitic
    lacking tact, shrewdness, or prudence
    inexpedient
    not suitable or advisable
    inexpedient, unwise
    not appropriate to the purpose
    foolish
    devoid of good sense or judgment
  2. adjective
    smoothly agreeable and courteous with a degree of sophistication
    “he was too politic to quarrel with so important a personage”
    synonyms: bland, smooth, suave
    diplomatic, diplomatical
    using or marked by tact in dealing with sensitive matters or people
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘politic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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