Lexic.us

Definition of Expedient

1. Adjective. Serving to promote your interest. "Was merciful only when mercy was expedient"

2. Noun. A means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one.

3. Adjective. Appropriate to a purpose; practical. "In the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty"

Definition of Expedient

1. a. Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right.

2. n. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.

Definition of Expedient

1. Adjective. Simple, easy, or quick; convenient. ¹

2. Adjective. Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest. ¹

3. Noun. A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Expedient

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Expedient

expectorations expectorative expectoratives expectorator expects expede expediant expediate expediated expediates

expediating expedience expediences expediencies expediency expedient (current term) expediential expediently expedients expediment

expediments expeditate expeditated expeditates expeditating expedite expedited expeditely expediteness expediter

Literary usage of Expedient

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1843)
"They were usefully employed as shepherds and husbandmen, but were denied the exercise of arms, except when it was found expedient to enrol them in the ..."

2. Supreme Court Reporter by Robert Desty, United States Supreme Court, West Publishing Company (1887)
"... Ы done in the proper circuit court, if there are no special circumstances in the casa making direct action by said court necessary or expedient. 9 Fred. ..."

3. Proceedings by Philadelphia County Medical Society (1897)
"... complete restoration has occurrred and for the length of time reported in the present case, the disease recurred. AN expedient TO DETERMINE POSITIVELY ..."

4. Dictionary of National Biography by LESLIE. STEPHEN, Sidney Lee (1890)
"... according to Poyn ings' law, could be determined by the parliament that had not first been transmitted as good and expedient by the deputy and council. ..."

5. The life and adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1883)
"... bouse—At a great loss of an evening for candle, but fall upon an expedient to supply the want—Strange discovery of corn—A terrible earthquake and storm. ..."

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