adj
politic
POL-ih-tihk
adj
1
Shrewd and careful in dealing with people or situations; diplomatic.
"It seemed more politic to stay quiet during the meeting."
2
Relating to civil government or policy.
"The body politic refers to a nation viewed as a single organized group."
How to Use Politic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShrewd and tactful, or relating to government and public affairs.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "politic" (an adjective meaning tactful/prudent) with "political," which is the far more common word for anything relating to politics.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
not politic to
the body politic
Word Forms
more politic comparative, politics plural, most politic superlative
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It seemed more _____ to stay quiet during the meeting.
Etymology
From Latin politicus, from Greek politikos, "of citizens," from polites, "citizen."