stratégique

Forms

stratégique (plural stratégiques)^[1]

Etymology

The TLFi takes it as formed from French stratégie + -ique, rather than borrowed from Ancient Greek στρατηγικός (stratēgikós, “of a general, fit to command”);^[2] the DHLF and the GLLF leave both possible,^[3][4] while the Grand Robert, the Petit Robert and Larousse give the Greek word.^[5][6][7] The Greek adjective is from στρατηγός (stratēgós, “general”).^[5][2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded in Boiste's dictionary in 1819, of what belongs to strategy as opposed to tactics.^[2][3][4]

Semantic evolution

From 1872 it was used more widely of anything concerning the art of war, and in the 20th century of places and things of military value, as against political or economic ones.^[3][6][4] In the mid-20th century it was applied to a mind able to plan; since about 1970 it has commonly meant “of decisive importance” for carrying out a plan, as in point stratégique.^[3] In economics and management it is used of planning a firm's activity.^[6]

Timeline

• 1819 – Boiste records the adjective.^[2][4]
• 1823 – An early record noted by the BHVF.^[8]
• 1844 – Balzac uses stratégiquement.^[2][3]
• 1872 – Littré records the general sense “military”.^[4][3]
• c. 1970 – Common use for “crucial”.^[3]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Relating to strategy, as opposed to tactics: une offensive stratégique.^[6][4][7]
2. Of military importance: une colline stratégique.^[6][4]
3. (figurative) Of decisive importance: un dossier stratégique.^[6][3]
4. Done as part of a deliberate plan: une retraite stratégique.^[7][6]
5. (economics) Concerning the long-term planning of a firm: une réflexion stratégique.^[6]

Word family

• stratégiquement

Related words

• stratégie
• stratège
• Ancient Greek στρατηγικός (stratēgikós)

References

1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d e f g h Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d e f g Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
5. ^ a b Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
6. ^ a b c d e f g h Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
7. ^ a b c Dictionnaire de français Larousse, larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais (accessed 2024)
8. ^ Quemada, Bernard, ed. (1959–2006), Datations et documents lexicographiques (Base historique du vocabulaire français, BHVF), Paris: Klincksieck / CNRS / Champion; ATILF