What does politic mean?
Politic is an uncommon but valid adjective relating to government, public affairs, or political considerations. Its basic use resembles that of political: a politic decision may concern public policy, civic institutions, or the management of a community. In a more specific and slightly critical sense, a politic action is shaped by an awareness of political consequences, alliances, or public reactions. The word can therefore describe either the subject matter of politics or a course of conduct that is deliberately politically astute. Native speakers often reach for political because it is shorter, more familiar, and less marked. Nevertheless, politic can be useful when the intended emphasis is not merely on something governmental but on political calculation, strategic accommodation, or sensitivity to how an action will be received. The word belongs mainly to formal, journalistic, political, and literary English rather than everyday conversation.
adjectiveRelating to government, public affairs, or political considerations; also, displaying political awareness or calculation.
- Relating to government, public affairs, or the state.
- Characterized by political awareness, calculation, or concern for political consequences.
"The committee offered a deliberately politic response that avoided alienating any major faction."
"The town's growth requires a long-term, politic approach to infrastructure."
"By withdrawing his nomination, the senator made an unusually politic decision."
Politic comes from the same Greek civic tradition as politics itself: the idea that public life is a realm of shared citizenship and collective action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of politic
Politic entered English from French politique, which continued the Latin adjective politicus. Latin politicus was borrowed from Greek politikos, a word associated with polis, meaning a city-state, and politēs, meaning a citizen. The same broad root underlies political, politician, politics, and policy, although the English words developed along different grammatical and semantic paths.
How politic is actually used
Politic is formal and relatively uncommon in contemporary English. The more familiar adjective is political, while politic can carry the additional implication of political calculation or sensitivity to public opinion.
Easily confused with politic
Political is the standard, much more common adjective; politic is a less frequent alternative that can suggest a specifically political or politically calculated quality.