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Shrewdest Meaning: Definition and Examples

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shrewdest

[ʃruːdɛst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Shrewdest refers to someone who possesses sharp mental faculties and is particularly astute in making decisions. It implies being clever, perceptive, and having good judgement, often in business or social situations.

Synonyms

astute, clever, sharp-witted, sly.

Examples of usage

  • She is the shrewdest negotiator in the company.
  • His shrewdest decision was to invest early.
  • The shrewdest minds often rise to the top.
  • In a competitive market, the shrewdest strategies win.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often associate shrewdness with successful negotiation skills, often linked to higher emotional intelligence.
  • Psychologists suggest that being shrewd can involve a mix of intuition and analytical thinking.

Literature

  • Shrewd characters frequently appear in literature, showcasing the cleverness needed to navigate complex social situations.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters exhibiting shrewdness often manipulate others for personal gain, emphasizing the fine line between wisdom and cunning.

Business

  • In the business world, shrewd decision-makers are often viewed as strategic leaders who can navigate market changes effectively.
  • Reading financial trends with a shrewd mindset can lead to greater investment success and business expansion.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows often portray shrewd characters as savvy and resourceful, advancing the plot with clever twists and turns.
  • Films typically depict characters with shrewd traits as the masterminds behind intricate plans, illustrating the duality of intelligence and manipulation.

Origin of 'shrewdest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shrewd' originates from Middle English 'shrewd' meaning morally bad or evil, but it evolved to imply astuteness over time.
  • It is believed to be rooted in the old English word 'shrew,' which meant a troublesome or mischievous person.

The word 'shrewd' has its origins in the Middle English term 'shrewde,' which had earlier meanings relating to being 'evil' or 'wicked.' Over time, the meaning evolved to imply someone who is wise or knowledgeable in practical matters. The term likely derives from the Old English 'scrēawa,' meaning to 'dors' or 'shaping,' suggesting a connection to being sharp or keen in intellect. By the 16th century, 'shrewd' had developed a more positive connotation, associated with astuteness and intelligence in decision-making. The superlative form 'shrewdest' has been used since then to express the highest degree of this insightfulness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,054 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.