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Sagacity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sagacity

[sษ™หˆษกรฆsษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wise judgment

The quality of being sagacious; possessing keen mental discernment and good judgment. Refers to the ability to make good decisions by applying sound reasoning and intelligence.

Synonyms

intelligence, shrewdness, wisdom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sagacity

Sagacity refers to keen mental discernment and good judgment. It is often used to describe someone who can make wise decisions based on deep understanding and thoughtfulness, particularly in complex or ambiguous situations.

  • The sagacity of the council's decision helped the city overcome the crisis smoothly.
  • Her sagacity in business negotiations saved the company from potential losses.
wisdom

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. It often implies a deep understanding of life and human nature, usually gained through age and experience. Wisdom is generally used in a very positive context.

  • The village elder was respected for his wisdom and guidance.
  • She always sought her grandmother's wisdom when faced with difficult life decisions.
intelligence

Intelligence is a broad term used to describe someone's ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. It's often applied in academic, professional, and general life situations to denote mental sharpness and understanding.

  • His intelligence was evident from the way he solved difficult mathematical problems so quickly.
  • The intelligence of the AI system has greatly improved over the years.
shrewdness

Shrewdness involves having sharp powers of judgment, and it is often used to describe someone who is able to make practical, clever decisions in tricky or competitive situations. This term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying cunning or selfishness.

  • Her shrewdness in negotiations earned her company a very profitable deal.
  • The shrewdness of his financial investments ensured his wealth grew steadily.

Examples of usage

  • He demonstrated great sagacity in solving the complex problem.
  • Her sagacity in business matters led to the success of the company.
Context #2 | Noun

wise advice

A piece of wise advice or a clever insight. Often used in the context of giving valuable guidance or counsel.

Synonyms

counsel, insight, wisdom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sagacity

This word is often used to describe someone with profound knowledge and the foresight to make wise decisions, especially in difficult situations. It implies a deep understanding and keen judgment.

  • "Her sagacity in business matters saved the company from bankruptcy
  • "
wisdom

This general term is used to describe the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Itโ€™s often associated with older people and implies sagacity but in a broader sense.

  • "She was known for her wisdom and was often sought for advice
  • "
insight

Use this word when referring to the ability to understand complex situations or problems from a deeper perspective. It indicates clear and deep perception, often sudden and intuitive.

  • "His insight into human behavior was impressive
  • "
counsel

This word is typically used in a legal or advisory context. It refers to giving or receiving formal advice, often from an expert or professional. It can also refer to a lawyer or group of lawyers giving legal advice.

  • "The lawyer gave excellent counsel during the trial
  • "

Examples of usage

  • The old man's sagacity helped the young couple navigate through their marital issues.
  • I always seek her sagacity when making important decisions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Socrates and Confucius emphasized the importance of sagacity in living a virtuous life.
  • In ethical discussions, sagacity is often regarded as the foundation for making moral decisions.
  • Itโ€™s viewed as a necessary trait for leaders, helping them navigate complex moral landscapes.

Literature

  • In literature, wise characters often embody sagacity, guiding others through challenges, such as Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
  • Authors frequently use wise figures to highlight themes of understanding and enlightenment.
  • Shakespeare's works often feature sagacious characters, demonstrating the importance of wisdom in resolving conflicts.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that sagacity involves not just knowledge but also emotional intelligence and empathy.
  • Research shows that experiences can enhance sagacity over time, making it a dynamic quality.
  • Psychological models connect sagacity with decision-making processes, often leading to successful outcomes.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures revere the elderly for their sagacity, seeing age as a source of wisdom.
  • In some Indigenous cultures, sagacity is celebrated through storytelling, passed from generation to generation.
  • The concept is often depicted in proverbs and sayings across different languages, underscoring its universal importance.

Origin of 'sagacity'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'sagacitas', which means sound judgment or discernment.
  • It has roots in 'sagax', meaning keen, sharp, or wise, reflecting its connection to intelligence.
  • The word has been in use since the late 14th century, often describing someone with good insight.

The word 'sagacity' originated from the Latin word 'sagacitas', which means keenness of perception or discernment. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the quality of having sharp mental faculties and good judgment. The term is often associated with wisdom and intelligence, highlighting the importance of sound reasoning and clever insights in decision-making processes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,716, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.