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expedient

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1ex·pe·di·ent

adj \ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt\

Definition of EXPEDIENT

1
: suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance
2
: characterized by concern with what is opportune; especially : governed by self-interest
ex·pe·di·ent·ly adverb

Examples of EXPEDIENT

  1. They found it expedient to negotiate with the terrorists.
  2. Do the right thing, not the expedient thing.
  3. Marley found it expedient to maintain social relationships with gunmen and politicans from both political parties. —Robert Palmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 1994

Origin of EXPEDIENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin expedient-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of EXPEDIENT

expedient, politic, advisable mean dictated by practical or prudent motives. expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles <a politically expedient decision>. politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity <a politic show of interest>. advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic <sometimes it's advisable to say nothing>.

Rhymes with EXPEDIENT

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