I. ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt adjective
Etymology: 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
Date: 14th century
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
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 1630
: something expedient : a temporary means to an end
Synonyms: see resource