Canny: meaning, definitions and examples

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canny

 

[ หˆkรฆni ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

smart, shrewd

The term 'canny' describes someone who is astute, careful, and prudent, particularly in financial matters or negotiations. It often implies a cleverness that allows an individual to achieve favorable outcomes while avoiding unnecessary risks. When someone is referred to as canny, it suggests that they possess a certain street-smart quality, enabling them to navigate complex situations with ease. This characteristic is often admired in contexts where strategic thinking and resourcefulness are essential.

Synonyms

astute, clever, prudent, sagacious, shrewd

Examples of usage

  • She made a canny investment in the stock market.
  • His canny approach to negotiations secured the best deal.
  • The canny shopper always looks for discounts.
  • Canny decisions in business can lead to long-term success.

Translations

Translations of the word "canny" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น astuto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคคเฅเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช klug

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cerdas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทัƒะผะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sprytny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ณขใ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท malin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ astuto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kurnaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜๋ฆฌํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุงูƒุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mazanรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกikovnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ชๆ˜Ž็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spreten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gรกfaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‹ะปะดั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒซแƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸฤฑllฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ inteligente

Etymology

The word 'canny' originates from the Scottish term 'canny', which was derived from the Middle English word 'can' meaning 'to know'. It has roots in the Old English 'cunnan', meaning 'to know' or 'to be able'. Over time, 'canny' evolved to convey a sense of shrewdness and astuteness. In Scots dialect, 'canny' can also mean 'careful' or 'prudent', reflecting an understanding of both smart decision-making and caution. This duality in meaning has allowed the word to maintain its relevance in modern English, where it carries connotations of intelligence and carefulness in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,777, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.