incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation)

an incisive analysis

an incisive unsentimental writer

incisively adverb

incisiveness noun

Did you know?

Incisive has meant "impressively direct and decisive" since around 1834 and derives from the Latin verb caedere, meaning "to cut." Its linguistic kin include many cuttings from the fruitful stem caedere, such as scissors, chisel, incise ("to cut into or engrave"), excise ("to remove by cutting"), incisor ("a front tooth typically adapted for cutting"), incision ("cut" or "gash"), precise ("minutely exact"), and concise ("brief"). Incisive also carries a couple of lesser-known literal meanings relating to cutting: "having a cutting edge or piercing point" (as in "incisive fangs"), and, in dentistry, "of, relating to, or situated near the incisors."

Examples of incisive in a Sentence

She's known for her incisive mind and quick wit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ava also nurtures Deborah, teaching her how to embrace her vulnerability through comedy and invite people into an incisive and exploratory investigation of the self. —J Wortham, New York Times, 12 May 2024

This incisive feature offers a window into the commodification of right-wing aggression, anti-wokeness, and Trumpism. —Longreads, 10 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: impressively clear and direct

an incisive argument

incisively adverb

incisiveness noun

Medical Definition

incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: incisal

also : of, relating to, or situated near the incisors