A2 adjective 2 min read

전략적인

Strategic means doing things in a smart way to reach a long-term goal.

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Explanation at your level:

When you are strategic, you have a plan. You do not just do things by accident. You think about what you want to do first, second, and third. It helps you finish your work faster.

Being strategic means you are smart about your time. If you have a big project, you make a strategic plan to finish it on time. It is a very useful word in school and work.

A strategic approach is one that considers the long-term results. Instead of just doing what is easy, you do what helps you reach your goal. Businesses use this word a lot to talk about how they will grow.

Using the word strategic shows that you are thinking critically. It implies that you have analyzed the situation and chosen the best path. It is often used in formal reports and professional discussions about success.

In advanced English, strategic describes a high level of foresight. It is not just about planning; it is about maneuvering within a complex environment to gain a competitive edge. It is a staple of academic and corporate discourse.

The term strategic carries a nuance of mastery. It suggests a deep understanding of cause and effect. Whether in political science or game theory, it denotes a sophisticated method of decision-making that accounts for multiple variables and potential outcomes.

전략적인 in 30 Seconds

  • Strategic means having a smart, long-term plan.
  • It comes from the Greek word for general.
  • It is commonly used in business contexts.
  • It is an adjective, not a noun or adverb.

When you describe something as strategic, you are saying that it is part of a bigger plan. It is not just about doing something randomly; it is about being intentional. Think of a chess player—every move they make is strategic because it is designed to help them win later in the game.

In daily life, being strategic means you are thinking about the future. Instead of just reacting to what happens, you are setting things up so that you get the best result possible. It is a very positive word that implies intelligence and foresight.

The word strategic comes from the Greek word strategos, which literally means 'general' or 'leader of an army'. In ancient Greece, a strategos was the person responsible for the military campaign. Over time, the concept of 'generalship' evolved into the modern idea of strategy.

By the 19th century, the word entered English via French as a way to describe the art of planning large-scale military movements. Eventually, the meaning expanded beyond the battlefield. Today, we use it for anything from business meetings to deciding how to study for a big exam.

You will most often hear strategic used in professional settings. Common collocations include strategic planning, strategic partnership, and strategic advantage. It sounds professional and competent.

While it is common in business, you can also use it in casual conversation. For example, you might say, 'I made a strategic decision to skip the party so I could sleep.' This shows you are using the word to describe a smart choice made for a specific benefit.

While 'strategic' is an adjective, it appears in many idioms about planning. 1. Think three steps ahead: Planning for future consequences. 2. Play your cards right: Using your resources strategically. 3. The long game: Focusing on a strategic, long-term goal. 4. Cover all bases: Ensuring every aspect of a plan is safe. 5. Move the goalposts: Changing the strategic objective mid-way.

Strategic is an adjective and does not have a plural form. It is usually placed before a noun, like 'a strategic move.' In British and American English, it is pronounced /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/.

The stress is on the second syllable: stra-TEE-gic. It rhymes with words like pelagic or energetic. Remember that the 'g' is a soft sound, like the 'g' in 'gym'.

Fun Fact

It connects to the word 'general'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/

Sounds like 'struh-TEE-jik'.

US /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/

Sounds like 'struh-TEE-jik'.

Common Errors

  • Mispronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g'
  • Stressing the first syllable
  • Adding an extra syllable

Rhymes With

pelagic energetic photogenic apologetic synergetic

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read

Writing 2/5

Easy to write

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

plan goal smart

Learn Next

tactical maneuver foresight

Advanced

synergy paradigm implementation

Grammar to Know

Adjective Placement

Strategic plan

Articles with Adjectives

A strategic move

Subject-Verb Agreement

They are strategic

Examples by Level

1

I have a strategic plan.

I have a smart plan.

Adjective + noun.

2

She is very strategic.

She thinks well.

Subject + verb + adjective.

3

This is a strategic move.

This is a smart step.

Determiner + adjective + noun.

4

We need a strategic goal.

We need a main goal.

Article + adjective + noun.

5

He made a strategic choice.

He made a smart choice.

Verb + adjective + noun.

6

They are strategic players.

They play smartly.

Adjective + plural noun.

7

It was a strategic error.

It was a bad plan.

Adjective + noun.

8

Think of a strategic way.

Think of a smart way.

Imperative sentence.

1

The team held a strategic meeting.

2

He is a strategic thinker.

3

We need more strategic support.

4

This location is of strategic importance.

5

She developed a strategic plan.

6

They made a strategic decision.

7

The company has a strategic vision.

8

It was a very strategic move.

1

The CEO explained the strategic direction of the firm.

2

We are looking for a strategic partner for this project.

3

His silence was a strategic choice to avoid conflict.

4

The army took control of the strategic bridge.

5

She has a strategic advantage in the market.

6

The project requires a strategic approach to funding.

7

They are planning a strategic expansion.

8

Our strategic goals are very clear.

1

The government is reviewing its strategic interests in the region.

2

The company's strategic alliance failed to deliver results.

3

He is known for his strategic brilliance in negotiations.

4

The placement of the store was a strategic decision.

5

They are shifting their strategic focus to digital media.

6

The manager adopted a strategic stance during the crisis.

7

Strategic planning is essential for long-term success.

8

She provided a strategic analysis of the current situation.

1

The firm's strategic maneuvering allowed it to survive the recession.

2

There is a strategic ambiguity in his latest statement.

3

The project was a strategic masterstroke by the director.

4

We need to align our resources with our strategic objectives.

5

The diplomat emphasized the strategic importance of the treaty.

6

His strategic insight into the industry is unmatched.

7

The corporation is undergoing a strategic realignment.

8

They are implementing a strategic framework for growth.

1

The strategic depth of her argument was impressive.

2

The company is engaged in a strategic pivot to survive.

3

The region holds immense strategic significance for trade.

4

He operates with a strategic detachment from local politics.

5

The strategic interplay between the two nations is complex.

6

They are developing a strategic roadmap for the next decade.

7

The move was purely strategic, aimed at cornering the market.

8

Strategic foresight is a rare and valuable leadership trait.

Common Collocations

strategic plan
strategic decision
strategic advantage
strategic partner
strategic goal
strategic importance
strategic shift
strategic thinking
strategic approach
strategic location

Idioms & Expressions

"Play your cards right"

Using resources/timing to get an advantage

If you play your cards right, you'll get the promotion.

casual

"Think on your feet"

Being strategic in a fast situation

You have to think on your feet in this job.

neutral

"The long game"

A strategic long-term plan

He is playing the long game.

neutral

"Cover all bases"

Checking every strategic detail

We need to cover all bases before the launch.

neutral

"Chess move"

A strategic action

That was a classic chess move.

casual

"Master plan"

A big strategic document

What is the master plan?

neutral

Easily Confused

전략적인 vs Tactical

Both relate to plans.

Strategic is long-term; tactical is immediate.

Strategic goal vs tactical move.

전략적인 vs Methodical

Both imply order.

Methodical is about process; strategic is about goals.

Methodical worker vs strategic thinker.

전략적인 vs Calculated

Both imply thought.

Calculated can be negative (cunning).

Calculated risk vs strategic plan.

전략적인 vs Deliberate

Both mean on purpose.

Deliberate is about intent; strategic is about outcome.

Deliberate mistake vs strategic decision.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + is + strategic

His decision is strategic.

A2

A + strategic + noun

It was a strategic move.

B1

Strategic + noun + verb

Strategic planning helps us.

B1

Subject + made + a + strategic + choice

She made a strategic choice.

C1

The + strategic + importance + of + noun

The strategic importance of the site is high.

Word Family

Nouns

strategy The plan itself

Verbs

strategize To make a plan

Adjectives

strategic Relating to the plan

Related

tactical Related to small-scale planning

How to Use It

frequency

8/10

Formality Scale

Formal Professional Neutral Casual

Tips

💡

Memory Palace

Visualize a chess board.
💡

Professional context

Use it in meetings.
🌍

Business culture

It's a buzzword.
💡

Adjective usage

Always before a noun.
💡

Soft G

Don't say 'g' like 'go'.
💡

Avoid strategical

Stick to strategic.
💡

Ancient roots

From Greek generals.
💡

Use it daily

Make a plan!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

STRAT-egic: Think of a STRATEGY.

Visual Association

A chess board.

Word Web

plan goal future smart move

Challenge

Use 'strategic' in three work emails today.

Word Origin

Greek

Original meaning: General of an army

Cultural Context

None

Used heavily in business and sports.

The Art of War (Sun Tzu) Strategic Management (Business Textbook)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At work

  • strategic plan
  • strategic meeting
  • strategic goals

In sports

  • strategic play
  • strategic defense
  • strategic move

In school

  • strategic study
  • strategic approach
  • strategic revision

In politics

  • strategic alliance
  • strategic interest
  • strategic shift

Conversation Starters

"What is your strategic plan for this year?"

"Do you consider yourself a strategic thinker?"

"Why is this location of strategic importance?"

"Can you give me a strategic tip for learning?"

"How do you make strategic decisions?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a strategic decision you made recently.

Describe a person you know who is very strategic.

What are your strategic goals for the next five years?

How can you be more strategic in your daily life?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions
No, strategic is long-term, tactical is short-term.
Yes, it is very common in games.
Strategically.
struh-TEE-jik.
It is professional and common in business.
Yes, a strategic thinker.
Strategy.
Yes, it usually implies intelligence.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

He has a ___ plan.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: strategic

Strategic fits the meaning of having a plan.

multiple choice A2

What does strategic mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Smart planning

Strategic means having a plan.

true false B1

Strategic means doing things randomly.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

Strategic means the opposite of random.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Matching synonyms and antonyms.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Correct structure is 'It is a strategic move'.

Score: /5

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