Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
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Politic
Having or showing good judgment, tact, and prudence in dealing with others; prudent and tactful in social or political matters.
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Imagine This
Picture a diplomat in a tense meeting choosing words that avoid offense, carefully steering the conversation toward compromise without revealing all plans.
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Sounds Like
POL-uh-tik
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Looks Like
politics
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Remember This
Politic is the adjective form; it is not the same as politics (the study or practice of government). In modern usage, 'pol ic' is formal and often found in phrases like 'a politic move' or 'be politic with your words.'
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Other Forms
politicaladjective
politiciannoun
politicallyadverb
politicsnoun
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Connect With
tactful, prudent, diplomatic, discreet
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Note
Avoid confusing with 'politics' (noun) or with 'political' (adjective relating to government). 'Politic' implies prudence and tact, not political ideology.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- It would be politic to postpone the announcement until after the meeting.
- Her politic gesture earned her respect from colleagues.
Synonyms
prudenttactfuldiplomaticjudicioussavvy
Antonyms
impoliticunwiseindiscreet
Etymology
From Latin politicus meaning 'of a citizen', via Old French politique; ultimately from Greek polites 'citizen'.
Mnemonic
Think of politician as someone who is polite in public; politic means being polite with caution. POLITE plus C (for caution) = politic.
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Dormant
adjectiveNot actively growing or functioning; asleep or temporarily inactive.
Malice
nounA desire to do evil or to harm others; ill will toward someone.
Uneven
adjectiveNot level or smooth; lacking uniformity in form, texture, or distribution, and can also describe inconsistent or irregular performance.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Prudent
adjectiveCareful; using good judgment and foresight.
Diplomatic
adjectiveTactful and prudent in dealing with others, especially in sensitive or potentially confrontational situations; relating to diplomacy.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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