politic

/ˈpɑlətɪk/

/ˈpɒlɪtɪk/

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

   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