Word: expedient (adjective, noun)

Associations

The word "expedient" is often used to describe something that is convenient and practical, even if it might not be the best or most moral choice. It can also be a noun meaning a means or method to achieve a goal, often quickly.

• As an adjective: "It was expedient to take a taxi because the train was delayed." Here, it means the fastest or easiest way.
• As a noun: "They found an expedient to solve the problem temporarily." This means a quick solution.
• In politics or business, "expedient" often means a choice that is useful but might raise ethical questions.

Synonym difference: "Convenient" is similar but usually just means easy or suitable without the moral or practical compromise implied by "expedient." "Expedient" often suggests a trade-off.

Substitution

Instead of "expedient," you can use:

• Convenient (if focusing on ease)
• Practical (if focusing on usefulness)
• Advantageous (if focusing on benefit)
• Quick fix or temporary solution (when used as a noun)

Each substitution slightly changes the meaning. For example, "convenient" lacks the sense of possible compromise that "expedient" carries.

Deconstruction

• Root: From Latin "expedire," meaning "to free from difficulties" or "to make ready."
• Prefix "ex-" means "out" or "from."
• Root "ped" relates to "foot," so originally it meant "to free the foot," i.e., to make progress easier.
• Over time, it came to mean something that helps achieve a goal quickly or easily.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you chose an expedient solution instead of the best one? Why?
• How might using an expedient method affect long-term results?
• Do you think being expedient is always good, or can it sometimes cause problems? Why?