strategic
struh-TEE-jik
/strəˈtiːdʒɪk/
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Refers to the 'big picture' planning that happens before any action is taken, focusing on winning the entire campaign rather than a single battle.
The story behind the word. In ancient Athens, a 'strategos' was a military commander elected to lead the city-state's forces. Over time, the word evolved from describing the general's personal office to the art of military command itself, and eventually to any high-level planning that coordinates resources to achieve a grand objective.
Word relationships
- calculated: Calculated implies careful planning to achieve a specific effect, but lacks the grand scale of strategic.
- deliberate: Deliberate means done on purpose, whereas strategic implies a specific role in a larger master plan.
- tactical: Tactical refers to immediate, small-scale actions rather than long-term, grand-scale planning.
- random: Random implies a complete lack of plan, order, or long-term vision.
Commonly confused with
- tactical: Strategic is the 'why' and the 'what' of the big picture, while tactical is the 'how' of the immediate action.
Word family
- strategy (noun): A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
- strategize (verb): Devise a strategy or plan of action.
Collocations
- strategic planning
- strategic alliance
- strategic retreat
- strategic advantage
Example sentences
- "The general made a strategic decision to withdraw his forces to a more defensible position, sacrificing short-term territory for long-term victory." A classic historical analysis of military planning.
- "The company's strategic plan involved expanding into Asian markets over the next decade." Corporate application of military terminology.
Memory hook
Think of a 'strategy' as the master plan you make while looking at a giant map of the world, deciding which countries to ally with. Strategic starts with 'S' like the 'Sky-high' view of the whole war.
When not to use
Do not use when describing immediate, hands-on, or localized actions; that is the domain of 'tactical'.
Fun facts
- The word 'strategy' did not enter the English language until the late 18th century, when it was translated from French military treatises.
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