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German

Realpolitik

ray-AHL-poh-lih-teek

reɪˌɑːlpɒlɪˈtiːk

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Syllable breakdown

Realpolitik

Sounds like

Say 'ray-AHL-poh-lih-teek'.

Dictionary meaning

Politics or diplomacy based on practical considerations rather than ideology or ethics.

History and origin

German — 'real' (practical, realistic) + 'Politik' (politics).

Examples

  • Bismarck was the master of Realpolitik, pursuing power through calculated strategy rather than principle.

Common mispronunciations

REE-ul-pohl-ih-tikree-al-POL-ih-teek

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TSIGHT-guyst

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SHAH-den-froy-duh

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DOP-pel-gang-er

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WON-der-lust

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