Expedient

GRE Barron

[编辑] 解释

n. 权宜之计, 临时手段; adj. ( 指行动) 有用的
［英］ n. 权宜之计, 临时手段(a temporary means to an end );adj. ( 指行动) 有用的 ( of an action useful, helpful of advisable)
［例］ actions that were expedient rather than principled

I. 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
? expediently 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