politic
- adjective
- /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/
- Formal
- The waiters enter our space as intermediaries, so it seems politic to make them welcome.
- the body politic
How to remain politic and get your needs met but not get played.
- How to remain politic and get your needs met but not get played.
Examples
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She always knows the most politic response to defuse tense situations.
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And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular.
Blog text (11) -
How to remain politic and get your needs met but not get played.
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Not for what is politic but for what is right.
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I think it would be more politic to go.
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Arguably, the courts could enforce free-market outcomes without a legislative mandate, but it would certainly be more politic to have one.
Academic text (1997) -
Oh, that's very politic.
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"Some questions it just ain't politic to ask." "But you brought him up." "I don't mean you asking me," said Ryan with a grin.
Fiction book (1991) -
Megawati roundly condemned the acts of terrorism against the United States, but once she had returned to Indonesia, she found it politic to condemn equally the anticipated counterattack against Afghanistan.
Academic text (2003) -
It is wise to be politic when discussing sensitive topics with clients.
Synonyms
Treating people carefully to avoid hurting their feelings
Being careful and polite when speaking to avoid hurting people
Being careful and practical in politics to avoid conflict
Antonyms
Compounds
How Tactful
Surface Forms
Etymology
Politic comes from the Greek root polis meaning 'city' and was first used for things about the city's public life, like politics. So politic now means being careful and sensible in speech or action to avoid trouble or gain an advantage.