adjective
politic
PAH-luh-tik/ˈpɑːlətɪk/
Showing good judgment and tact in handling a situation.
The mediator takes a politic approach to the disagreement.
Etymology
The pieces originally described what concerned citizens and public affairs. Applied to rulers, politic came to mean prudent or judicious, extending good judgment in government to tactful handling of people and situations.
In context
It appeared to him politic, reasonable, and just
More examples
- She offered a politic answer that avoided embarrassing either guest.
- A brief apology was the most politic response.
- He judged it politic to consult the committee first.
Forms
politic · more politic · most politic
Similar words
- tactful
- Tactful avoids giving offense; politic also considers practical advantage and good timing.
- prudent
- Prudent judges risks wisely; politic particularly concerns handling people or affairs skillfully.