expediency
UK[ɪkˈspiːdiənsi]US[ɪkˈspiːdiənsi]
n
The quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral; the use of methods that are advantageous rather than correct or fair.
n
The quality of being suitable or appropriate for achieving a particular end.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
ped
iency
ex
ped
foot
iency
Etymology
The word 'expediency' originates from the Latin verb 'expedire', meaning "to free from entanglements, to make ready, to dispatch". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' ("out") and the root 'pes, ped-' ("foot"), painting a vivid picture of literally freeing one's feet from a snare, such as a chain or trap. From this concrete idea of liberation for movement, the meaning broadened to signify the quality of being efficient and suitable for accomplishing a purpose quickly. Over time, this sense of pragmatic efficiency acquired a potential negative connotation, implying the prioritization of what is immediately advantageous over what is principled or just, leading to its modern abstract meaning.
Analysis
Structure: ex + ped + iency
- ex (Latin): A prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly".
- ped (Latin): A root from "pes, ped-" meaning "foot".
- iency (Latin): A noun-forming suffix from "-entia", indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
The government was accused of choosing short-term political expediency over sound economic policy.
In matters of survival, expediency often overrides ethical considerations.
The design of the tool was praised for its simplicity and expediency.