Perspicacious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perspicacious

[ˌpəːspɪˈkeɪʃəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

intelligence

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things; keen mental perception and understanding.

Synonyms

astute, clever, discerning, perceptive, shrewd.

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Word Description / Examples
perspicacious

Used to describe someone who has a clear and deep understanding of complex matters or someone who can notice subtle details.

  • She was perspicacious enough to spot the hidden agenda behind his words.
  • His perspicacious observations made him a valuable asset to the team.
perceptive

Often used to describe someone who is very good at noticing or understanding things that are not immediately obvious.

  • His perceptive nature allowed him to sense tension in the room.
  • The teacher's perceptive comments helped the student improve significantly.
discerning

Describes someone who shows good judgment and insight, especially in evaluating or appreciating subtle differences.

  • The discerning critic was able to differentiate between the slightest variations in performance.
  • Her discerning taste in fashion always put her ahead of trends.
astute

Typically refers to someone who is very good at noticing things and making clever decisions, often in a business or political environment.

  • His astute business decisions led the company to record profits.
  • She was astute in her political maneuvers, gaining favor among key influencers.
shrewd

Describes someone who is sharp and clever, often in a way that is practical and sometimes cunning. Negative connotations may arise depending on context.

  • His shrewd negotiation tactics secured a good deal for the company.
  • While he appeared unassuming, his shrewd strategies often caught opponents off guard.
clever

Used more broadly to describe someone who is quick-witted and intelligent, often in solving problems or creating innovative ideas.

  • That's a clever idea to solve the plumbing issue!
  • The clever student finished the puzzle in no time.

Examples of usage

  • He was perspicacious enough to realize he was being deceived.
  • Her perspicacious observations quickly identified the root of the problem.
  • His perspicacious analysis of the situation impressed his colleagues.
  • She had a perspicacious mind that could grasp complex concepts easily.
  • The perspicacious detective quickly solved the case.

Translations

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Origin of 'perspicacious'

The word 'perspicacious' originated from the Latin word 'perspicax', which means 'having the power of seeing through'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The term has been used to describe individuals with keen intellect and sharp perception abilities. Over time, 'perspicacious' has become synonymous with being insightful and having a deep understanding of complex matters.


See also: perspicacity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,161, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.