shrewd  (shr d)
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adj. shrewd·er, shrewd·est 1. Having or showing a clever awareness or resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. 2. Disposed to or marked by artful and cunning practices; tricky. 3. Archaic Sharp; penetrating: a shrewd wind.
[Middle English shrewed, wicked, from shrew, rascal; see SHREW.]
shrewdly adv. shrewdness n.
Synonyms: shrewd, sagacious, astute, perspicacious These adjectives mean having or showing keen awareness, sound judgment, and often resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. Shrewd suggests a sharp intelligence, hardheadedness, and often an intuitive grasp of practical considerations: "He was too shrewd to go along with them upon a road which could lead only to their overthrow" (J.A. Froude). Sagacious connotes prudence, discernment, and farsightedness: "He was observant and thoughtful, and given to asking sagacious questions" (John Galt). Astute suggests shrewdness, especially with regard to one's own interests: An astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease. Perspicacious implies penetration and clear-sightedness: She is much too perspicacious to be taken in by such a spurious argument. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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