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realpolitik

ray-AHL-poh-lih-teek

reɪˈɑːlpoʊlɪˌtiːk

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Syllable breakdown

realpolitik

Dictionary meaning

Politics driven by pragmatic power considerations rather than ideology or morality.

History and origin

German, meaning 'practical politics'.

Examples

  • The treaty reflected realpolitik more than idealistic diplomacy.

Common mispronunciations

ree-AL-politik

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