perspicacious

USAGE SUMMARY

"perspicacious" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is shrewd and has keen judgment or understanding, as in the following sentence: "The perspicacious woman was able to recognize the warning signs of an impending storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The perspicacious Mr Daddy had it right.

The Economist

He was perspicacious too, and at times bloody tough.

The Economist

As ever, the perspicacious Mr Daddy had it right.

The Economist

He has a thorough analysis of the causes and effects of Britain's long period of wage stagnation; much of it perspicacious.

The Economist

Since Mr Cable has been the most perspicacious of all senior politicians over the financial crisis (not that his party's poll ratings have benefited), the chamber hushed to hear him.

The Economist

She held that post for 23 years, becoming one of the dominant personalities on the magazine and winning acknowledgment as one of the most perspicacious and influential observers of the fashion scene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Naked (1997) includes a portrait of his wisecracking, perspicacious mother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it was a passing phase, the counterculture, ironically, contributed to the development of professional surfing, for the "work-is-play" philosophy of the counterculture encouraged a group of perspicacious surfers to establish a professional circuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her reports on political crises and developments, especially the rise of fascism in Italy and the emergence of Benito Mussolini, established McCormick as one of the most perspicacious observers on the European continent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his progression from gang leader to commander of mercenary troops to conqueror, Robert emerged as a shrewd and perspicacious political figure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The whole of the Novgorodian north remained outside the sphere of direct Tatar control, although the perspicacious burghers maintained correct relations with the khans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perspicacious" when you want to emphasize someone's exceptional ability to understand complex issues or see things others might miss.

Common error

Avoid using "perspicacious" in situations where a simpler word like "smart" or "intelligent" would suffice. It's best reserved for contexts where deep insight is being highlighted.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "perspicacious" functions as an attributive adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that exhibits keen mental perception and discernment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "perspicacious" denotes a high degree of insight and understanding, suitable for formal contexts that require precision and sophistication. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this adjective, indicating its role in describing someone with exceptional mental acuity. As demonstrated by various examples, the word is commonly found in news and media and encyclopedias. To avoid overuse, reserve "perspicacious" for situations that truly highlight profound understanding rather than general intelligence. This approach will ensure that the term retains its impact and accurately conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insightful

Focuses on the depth of understanding and the ability to see beyond the surface.

perceptive

Emphasizes the ability to notice and understand things that others might miss.

discerning

Suggests an ability to distinguish subtle differences and make accurate judgments.

clear-sighted

Emphasizes the ability to see things clearly and without bias.

astute

Implies cleverness and shrewdness in practical matters.

penetrating

Highlights the ability to delve deeply into a subject and uncover hidden truths.

shrewd

Highlights practical intelligence and the ability to gain an advantage.

acute

Suggests sharpness of intellect and the ability to understand things quickly.

sagacious

Indicates wisdom and sound judgment, often based on experience.

wise

A general term for having good judgment and understanding of life.

FAQs

How to use "perspicacious" in a sentence?

You can use "perspicacious" to describe someone with keen insight. For example: "The "perspicacious" detective solved the case quickly."

What can I say instead of "perspicacious"?

Alternatives include "astute", "insightful", or "discerning", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "perspicacious"?

"Perspicacious" is best used when describing someone's ability to understand complex or subtle matters, showing deep insight and understanding.

What is the difference between "perspicacious" and "perceptive"?

"Perspicacious" implies a deeper level of understanding and insight than "perceptive". While perceptive means noticing things, "perspicacious" suggests understanding their significance.