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Sagacious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sagacious

[sษ™หˆษกฤSHษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

wise decision-making

Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise or shrewd.

Synonyms

astute, discerning, judicious, prudent, wise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sagacious

Used to describe someone who has keen mental discernment and good judgment, often in a more profound or intellectual sense.

  • The sagacious leader guided the country through difficult times.
  • Her sagacious remarks during the meeting impressed everyone.
wise

Refers to someone who has experience, knowledge, and good judgment, often encompassing general wisdom and sound decision-making.

  • The wise old man shared stories and advice with the young travelers.
  • Choosing to apologize was a wise decision.
judicious

Describes someone who has good judgment and makes fair and sensible decisions. Often used in contexts involving decisions and policy.

  • Her judicious management of the team earned her great respect.
  • They reached a judicious agreement after lengthy negotiations.
astute

Typically describes someone who is shrewd and has the ability to notice and understand things clearly, often used in a context of practical intelligence and capability.

  • His astute business decisions led to significant profits.
  • She made an astute observation about the market trends.
prudent

Used to describe someone who shows care and thought for the future, often in a cautious or conservative manner.

  • It would be prudent to save some money for emergencies.
  • He made a prudent choice by investing in low-risk funds.
discerning

Refers to someone who shows good judgment and careful distinction, especially in matters of taste or quality.

  • The discerning critic could spot the nuances in the painting.
  • He has a discerning eye for quality wine.

Examples of usage

  • She is known for her sagacious advice.
  • The sagacious businessman made a strategic investment.
  • His sagacious approach to problem-solving impressed everyone.
  • The sagacious leader guided the team to success.
  • The sagacious detective quickly solved the case.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, sagacity is often linked to practical wisdom, differentiating it from mere intelligence.
  • Aristotle discussed the concept in relation to ethical decision-making, indicating that wise individuals make choices that are best for the community.
  • The balance between knowledge and action is key to sagacious thinking, emphasizing wisdom in real-world situations.

Literature

  • Famous literary figures often embody sagacity; for example, characters like Merlin in Arthurian legends represent wise mentorship.
  • In 'The Wisdom of Confucius', the teachings illustrate the importance of sagacity in guiding societal norms and behaviors.
  • Many fables and folktales emphasize the value of worldly wisdom, teaching that experience leads to sagacious choices.

Psychology

  • Studies show that sagacity can enhance problem-solving abilities, with wise people often taking the time to consider multiple solutions.
  • Psychological research associates sagacious individuals with higher emotional intelligence, leading to better interpersonal relationships.
  • Sage advice provided by wise figures can positively influence decision-making in both personal and communal contexts.

History

  • Throughout history, sages have been consulted by rulers and governments for their wisdom in making critical decisions.
  • Figures like Socrates and Solomon are often referenced as paragons of sagacity in both Western and Eastern cultures.
  • The role of wise advisors has been integral in various civilizations, emphasizing the value placed on informed counsel throughout the ages.

Origin of 'sagacious'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'sagacitas', meaning 'cleverness' or 'keen perception'.
  • Related to the Latin verb 'sagire', which means 'to perceive quickly or to be quick-witted'.
  • The term reflects various ancient cultures' views on wisdom, showcasing its importance as a trait among leaders.

The word 'sagacious' originated from the Latin word 'sagax', meaning 'keen-sighted'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe someone who possesses keen mental discernment and good judgment. The term emphasizes the ability to make wise decisions based on careful thought and insight.

See also: presage, sage, sages.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,331, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.