Meaning

(archaic) Of or relating to polity, or civil government; political..

Definitions by Sense

1. (archaic) Of or relating to polity, or civil government; political.
2. (archaic, of things) Relating to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong.
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
4. Shrewd, prudent and expedient; showing policy.
5. Discreet and diplomatic.
6. Artful, crafty or cunning.
7. (archaic) A politician.
8. A politics; a set of political beliefs.

Example Sentences

the body politic

[H]e with his people made all but one politic body whereof himself was the head

a politic treaty

For then this land was famously enrich'd / With politic grave counsel

I have been politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy

But as he headed for the front of the line one of his minders whispered that it might be politic to go to the back.

But campaigners in Florida accused him of turning a blind eye to the real issues with his "politic" appearance before the commission.

What a politician likes to do for fun (or judges it politic to pretend he does) is seen as a clue to their personality, or even their politics.

Word Forms

• more politic
• most politic
• politick
• politics
• politicking
• politicked

Synonyms for politic

Antonyms for politic

Related Words

When Should You Use Politic?

Use politic when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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