expedient
convenient and practical, though sometimes at the cost of principle
Word origin: From Latin expedire, to free the feet, hence to make ready.
Expedient in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing expedient in a sentence.
It was expedient to settle the dispute rather than risk a costly trial.
Settling out of court was the expedient choice, even if it left the principle unresolved.
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Verbal · Text Completion
Although the senator's memoir was marketed as a frank reckoning with his failures, reviewers found it relentlessly blank, dwelling on grievances and recasting every setback as the fault of his adversaries.
Using “expedient” well
Expedient praises practical advantage but often hints that convenience has trumped principle. Distinguish the adjective from the noun, a means to an end, and from expeditious, meaning speedy.
More GRE words starting with E
to gradually decline, recede, or diminish
overflowing enthusiasm and liveliness
the quality of overflowing, bubbling enthusiasm
overflowing with cheerful enthusiasm and high spirits
deviating from conventional or accepted behavior in odd ways
a level or rank within an organization, profession, or society
drawing from a wide and diverse range of sources or styles
to deprive of importance or overshadow by being superior
Questions about “expedient”
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