Shrewd: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrewd

[ʃruːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

business

Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. Shrewd business people are able to anticipate market trends and make profitable decisions.

Synonyms

astute, clever, sharp, wise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrewd	Used to describe someone who is very good at making judgments about situations or people, often in a way that is advantageous for them. She made a shrewd business investment that doubled her wealth. His shrewd observations led the company out of the crisis.
astute	Describes someone who is very perceptive and can understand and judge situations or behaviors quickly and accurately. The lawyer gave an astute analysis of the legal dilemma. Her astute mind quickly figured out the puzzle.
clever	Refers to someone who is quick to understand or learn. It can be used for someone showing inventiveness or originality. He came up with a clever solution to the problem. Her clever remarks always light up the conversation.
sharp	Describes someone with a quick and intelligent mind. It can also imply being witty or able to notice and respond quickly. He's a sharp kid, always at the top of his class. Her sharp comments left everyone in stitches.
wise	Refers to someone who has good judgment and experience, often implying thoughtfulness and deep understanding. The elder's wise advice helped the community during tough times. It's a wise choice to save money for the future.

Examples of usage

She is known for her shrewd business acumen.
His shrewd investments helped him build a successful company.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Clever and quick at understanding and making decisions. A shrewd negotiator is able to outsmart the competition and secure the best deals.

Synonyms

crafty, cunning, discerning, sagacious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrewd	Shrewd is often used to describe someone who is sharp-witted and makes good judgments, especially in practical matters like business or politics. She made a shrewd investment that doubled her money. His shrewd negotiation skills saved the company millions.
cunning	Cunning often implies cleverness and deceit, similar to 'crafty', and can be used to describe someone who uses their intelligence for misleading or manipulating others. The cunning thief managed to steal the jewels without being caught. She had a cunning look in her eye as she devised her scheme.
crafty	Crafty typically has a negative connotation and suggests someone who is skillful in achieving their aims through deceit or trickery. The crafty fox outwitted the hunters. He made a crafty plan to win the game by cheating.
sagacious	Sagacious is a more formal term and is used to describe someone who has keen mental discernment and good judgment. It reflects wisdom and insight. The sagacious leader guided the country through tough times. Her sagacious advice always came at the right moment.
discerning	Discerning usually refers to someone who shows good judgment and insight in understanding things. It is often positive and implies a deep level of understanding or appreciation. He is a discerning reader who can appreciate the subtle nuances in literature. A discerning customer, she only buys the best quality products.

Examples of usage

His shrewd tactics allowed him to come out on top in the negotiations.
She has a shrewd sense of when to take risks and when to hold back.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'shrewd' comes from Middle English, derived from the word 'shrew', which originally meant a bad-tempered woman, but evolved to mean someone who is clever and sharp-minded.
In the 16th century, 'shrewd' had associations with being mischievous or tricky, reflecting the cunning aspect of the word.
Over time, the meaning shifted positively, and now it primarily denotes intelligence and astuteness in decision-making.

Psychology

Research indicates that shrewd individuals often possess high emotional intelligence, allowing them to read social situations effectively.
Psychologists suggest that shrewdness can involve being strategic, weighing options thoughtfully before making decisions.
People considered shrewd might excel in negotiation, as they can discern the needs and weaknesses of others.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, many characters are described as shrewd, often showcasing their cleverness and wit to outsmart their opponents.
Classic literature often contrasts shrewd characters with naive ones, highlighting the impact of intelligence on success.
The term appears frequently in modern novels, reflecting on characters who navigate complex situations with wisdom and experience.

Pop Culture

Shrewd characters appear in various films and TV shows, often depicted as savvy businesspeople or clever detectives who solve problems quickly.
In popular video games, shrewdness is a trait that helps players strategize and win against opponents through careful planning.
The TV show 'The Apprentice' features contestants who showcase their shrewdness in business challenges to impress potential employers.

History

Historical figures, like Benjamin Franklin, were often described as shrewd for their ability to navigate political and social landscapes effectively.
Shrewd leaders in various cultures have used their understanding of human behavior to maintain power and negotiate treaties throughout history.
The term has often been used in contexts where individuals cleverly outmaneuvered larger powers or more resourceful foes, reflecting a sense of cunning strategy.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrewd" in other languages:

🇵🇹 astuto

🇮🇳 चतुर

🇩🇪 klug

🇮🇩 cerdik

🇺🇦 хитрий

🇵🇱 sprytny

🇯🇵 賢明な

🇫🇷 astucieux

🇪🇸 astuto

🇹🇷 kurnaz

🇰🇷 영리한

🇸🇦 ماكر

🇨🇿 chytrý

🇸🇰 prefíkaný

🇨🇳 精明的

🇸🇮 prebrisan

🇮🇸 snjall

🇰🇿 қулы

🇬🇪 ჭკვიანი

🇦🇿 hiyləgər

🇲🇽 astuto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,427, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11424 embody
11425 brotherhood
11426 imprint
11427 shrewd
11428 adsorbed
11429 hideous
11430 migrate
...