Incisive: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe a person or their thoughts and comments as being clear, intelligent, and highly analytical.

• Her incisive analysis of the problem impressed everyone in the meeting.
• An incisive journalist can uncover hidden truths behind a story.

Can be used in many contexts, often to describe the clarity or distinctness of an object, thought, or person’s abilities. It can also mean having a quick or acute mind.

• She has a sharp mind and can solve complex problems quickly.
• The knife is very sharp, so handle it carefully.

Typically used to describe someone who is very eager, enthusiastic, or sharp-minded. It can also refer to sharpness of a sense, like vision or hearing.

• He's very keen to start his new job next week.
• She has a keen sense of smell that picks up even the faintest scent.

Used when describing someone who has a highly developed level of awareness and insight, especially about things that are not obvious.

• Her perceptive comments during the discussion showed her deep understanding of the topic.
• A perceptive child can often sense when something is wrong.

Describes something that is very intense and sharp, often in a way that feels like it goes through you. Commonly used for sounds or looks.

• He gave me a piercing look that made me feel very uncomfortable.
• The alarm made a loud, piercing noise that could be heard from far away.

This word is used to describe a person or thing that is sharp-witted, insightful, and clear in thought or expression. It is often used in contexts involving critical thinking or analysis.

• Her incisive comments during the meeting showed she understands the problem well.
• The journalist's incisive article neatly dissected the political scandal.

This term is used metaphorically to describe an action that is precise, accurate, and often methodical. It is derived from medical terminology but can be applied to various non-medical meticulous actions.

• The team's surgical precision in executing the plan ensured success.
• Her handling of the negotiations was surgical, with every move calculated.

Often used to describe something that is harsh, hurtful, or keenly perceptive in a negative way. It can refer to remarks or comments meant to wound emotionally.

• His cutting remarks made her feel inadequate.
• The critic's cutting review left the director disheartened.

Typically used in a physical sense to describe the action of cutting something with a sharp instrument. It may also be used metaphorically to describe the act of dividing or breaking something down into clear segments.

• She is slicing the vegetables for dinner.
• The speech was so effective at slicing through the issues to reach the heart of the matter.