Impolitic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impolitic
[ษชmหpษlษชtษชk ]
Definition
social behavior
The term 'impolitic' refers to actions or behaviors that are unwise or imprudent, particularly in a social or political context. It often describes behaviors that could lead to unfavorable reactions or consequences. An impolitic remark, for instance, may offend others or create conflict. Using this term usually implies a lack of tact or diplomacy in a given situation.
Synonyms
imprudent, indiscreet, tactless, unwise.
Examples of usage
- It was impolitic of him to criticize the boss in front of everyone.
- Making impolitic statements can damage oneโs reputation in a political career.
- Her impolitic behavior at the dinner party left guests feeling uncomfortable.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Social Norms
- In many cultures, being polite is essential for maintaining social harmony and relationships.
- Certain phrases or actions may be viewed as impolitic in formal settings but perfectly acceptable among friends.
- Understanding what's considered impolitic can vary widely across different cultures and communities.
Psychology
- Being impolitic can signal a lack of social awareness or empathy towards others' feelings.
- Some studies suggest that impolitic behavior can be linked to higher levels of stress and frustration in social situations.
- People may sometimes act impolitely when they feel threatened or unsupported in a conversation.
Literature
- In literature, characters often reveal their true thoughts through impolitic remarks, highlighting their inner conflicts.
- Historic literature reflects on societal norms, often showcasing what impolitic behavior looks like in different time periods.
- Authors use impolitic dialogue to create tension and drive plots, revealing nuances in human interaction.
Modern Context
- In political discourse today, being called impolitic can mean one has stepped outside socially accepted boundaries.
- Social media has amplified instances of impolitic comments, often leading to public backlash or ridicule.
- Public figures may navigate the line between honesty and politeness carefully, with impolitic remarks sometimes leading to significant consequences.
Origin of 'impolitic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin, where 'politicus' means 'of citizens or city affairs.'
- It evolved over time through Old French into English, connecting to ideas of social behavior and diplomacy.
- The prefix 'im-' indicates the opposite, suggesting actions that are not fitting for a political context.
The word 'impolitic' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the prefix 'im-' which denotes negation and 'politic', an adjective meaning wise or prudent in action. 'Politic' itself comes from the Latin 'politicus', which relates to public life or affairs of the state. The evolution of the term reflects a growing understanding of social and political dynamics, whereby the importance of tact and wise decision-making became more apparent. 'Impolitic', therefore, serves to denote behaviors that disregard these principles, often leading to social faux pas or diplomatic blunders. Over time, as civilization faced more complex social interactions, the use of this term expanded to encompass a broader range of unwise behaviors beyond just political contexts.