Politic
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪk/noun
Prudent, shrewd, or tactfully diplomatic in dealing with people or affairs.
Did you know?Politic comes from the same ancient Greek root as *politics*, ultimately tied to *polis*—the city-state—where public life, power, and persuasion were inseparable.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“to fill, to be full; later extended in Greek city-life terms”
Ancient Greek
Greek
polis
“city; city-state”
Ancient Greek
Greek
politikós
“of or for the city; public, civic”
Late Latin
Latin
politicus
“political, civic”
Middle French
Old French
politique
“political; prudent, shrewd”
Middle English
English
politik / politick
“prudent, judicious, or cunning in public affairs”
Modern English
English
politic
“prudent, shrewd, or tactfully diplomatic”
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