“Expeditious” vs. “Expedient”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “expeditious” and “expedient”

  • Expeditious is about speed and efficiency, while expedient is about practicality and usefulness.
  • Expeditious typically connotes positive action, while expedient may not take into account moral or ethical considerations.
  • Expeditious tends to be goal-oriented, while expedient may focus on immediate benefits rather than long-term success.
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What is the definition of “expeditious” and “expedient”?

Expeditious
  • Expeditious means to do something in a speedy and efficient manner.
  • It refers to the with quickness and promptness.
  • It suggests a focus on accomplishing something in a timely manner.
Expedient
  • Expedient means an action that is practical, useful, or helpful in achieving a goal.
  • It is typically associated with doing what is necessary to achieve desired results, regardless of whether it is moral or ethical.
  • It involves choosing options that are the most advantageous or convenient, often with a short-term perspective.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Expedient” is the more popular variant on the web.
Expeditious
11,700,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The doctor's expeditious treatment saved the patient's life.
  2. We need to finish this project in an expeditious manner to meet the deadline.
  3. The expeditious response of the firefighters prevented the spread of the flames.
More popular
Expedient
26,400,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Switching to renewable energy sources is an expedient solution to the problem of climate change.
  2. It may not be the most ethical choice, but lying could be expedient in this situation.
  3. The politician chose the expedient option instead of the one that would benefit the most people.
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