Politic

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈpÉ’lÉ™tɪk/
• US IPA: /ˈpÉ‘lÉ™tɪk/

Alternative forms

• politick obsolete

Origin

Ancient Greek πολίτης (politēs, "citizen").

Full definition of politic

Adjective

1. (archaic) Of or relating to polity, or civil government; political.the body politic
• unknown date Sir Philip SidneyHe with his people made all but one politic body.
2. (archaic) Relating to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong; said of things.a politic treaty
• unknown date Shakespeareenrich'd with politic grave counsel
3. (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
• unknown date ShakespearePolitic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy.
4. Shrewd, prudent and expedient.
5. Discreet and diplomatic.
6. Artful, crafty or cunning.

Antonyms

• impolitic

Related terms

• police
• policy
• political
• politician
• politicize
• politics
• polity

Noun

1. (archaic) A politician.
• LowellSwiftly the politic goes; is it dark? he borrows a lantern;
  Slowly the statesman and sure, guiding his feet by the stars.----