Main Entry:

shrewd

Pronunciation:

\ˈshrüd, especially Southern ˈsrüd\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English shrewed, from shrewe + ¹-ed

Date:

13th century

1archaic : mischievous2obsolete : abusive, shrewish3obsolete : ominous, dangerous4 a: severe, hard <a shrewd knock> b: sharp, piercing <a shrewd wind>5 a: marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen <shrewd common sense> b: given to wily and artful ways or dealing <a shrewd operator>

— shrewd·ly adverb

— shrewd·ness noun

synonyms shrewd, sagacious, perspicacious, astute mean acute in perception and sound in judgment. shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment <a shrewd judge of character>. sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness <sagacious investors got in on the ground floor>. perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden <a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade>. astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill <an astute player of party politics>.