What does politick mean?
Politick is an archaic verb meaning to discuss, debate, or conduct activity concerning politics and public affairs. It can describe people arguing about political questions, canvassing for a cause, or engaging more generally in political life. The word is not normally used in contemporary standard English, although it occasionally appears in historical writing, period literature, or deliberately old-fashioned speech. Its modern sound is conservative: the final k is retained, unlike in the related adjective politic and the much more common adjective political. Because the expression can sound theatrical or outdated, writers who use it usually have a specific stylistic purpose rather than simply describing ordinary political discussion. The verb is closely associated with the family of words built on the Greek roots for city, politics, and public administration.
verbTo discuss, debate, or take part in political affairs. The word is now archaic and rarely used.
- To discuss or debate political affairs.
- To engage in political activity or campaigning.
"They gathered to politick over the proposed reform."
"Several delegates continued to politick long after the official meeting had ended."
"The local newspaper invited citizens to write about the issues and politick among themselves."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of politick
Politick is an older English spelling of politic when that word was used as a verb, with the final consonant now normally dropped in the modern form. The underlying family comes through Old French politique from Latin politicus, which was derived from Greek politikos, meaning relating to a city or its citizens. The modern English relatives include politic, political, politics, and politician.
Related word forms
How politick is actually used
This word is archaic and literary or historical in tone. It is chiefly encountered in older writing, though modern writers may use it deliberately for comic or antiquarian effect.
Easily confused with politick
Politick is an archaic verb meaning to discuss or engage in political activity, whereas politic is principally an adjective meaning relating to government or public affairs.