sagacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sagacity' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's wisdom or intelligence, often in a judgmental way. For example, "She showed great sagacity in making decisions for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Lincoln, by a rare combination of qualities patience, sagacity, and honesty by a still more rare sympathy, not with the best of his nation but the best average of his nation, and by a moderation rarest of all, had attained such vast moral authority that he could make all the hundred wheels of the Constitution move in one direction without exerting any physical force.

The Economist

Keynes's sagacity and wit shifted public opinion.

The Economist

As a tree may be known by its fruits, so may his growing strength, his ripening sagacity and sweetness, be read in the speeches and proclamations of his latter years.

The Economist

For example, Alexander Jamieson, in the first volume of his A Dictionary of Mechanical Science, Arts, Manufactures, and Miscellaneous Knowledge (1829), defined the term instinct as "an appellation given to the sagacity and natural inclinations of brutes, which supplies the place of reason in mankind".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The machinery that it embodied was not all of his devising, but it was his faith that a constitutionally satisfied Hungary and a strong monarchy could and must coexist that made the agreement possible; nor could agreement have been reached without his sagacity, resolution, and integrity and the faith that these qualities inspired in both camps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their sagacity, xiao (filial piety), and dedication to work enabled them to create a political culture based on responsibility and trust.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chief among these was Cecil (afterward Lord Burghley), whom Elizabeth appointed her principal secretary of state on the morning of her accession and who was to serve her (first in this capacity and after 1571 as lord treasurer) with remarkable sagacity and skill for 40 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No English author of comparable status has devoted 20 years of his maturity to such unremitting editorial work, and the weeklies' success was due not only to his illustrious name but also to his practical sagacity and sustained industry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter owed much to his sagacity at the battles of Arques and Ivry and in many sieges, but Biron was believed to be prolonging the war for his private advantage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps the severest test of his political sagacity occurred during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Constable's sagacity as a publisher matched their brilliance as editors, and the Review quickly made his reputation as an astute and forward-thinking businessman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sagacity" when you want to emphasize the depth and wisdom behind a decision, especially in contexts requiring careful consideration.

Common error

While intelligence refers to general mental ability, "sagacity" implies a seasoned wisdom gained through experience and careful deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sagacity" is as a noun. It represents the quality of being wise, shrewd, and having sound judgment. Ludwig examples show it used to describe qualities of individuals like Abraham Lincoln or to highlight the wisdom behind decisions, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sagacity" refers to the quality of being wise, showing sound judgment, and making insightful decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this noun is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in formal contexts like news and encyclopedias. When writing, consider that "sagacity" implies a deeper, more experienced wisdom than simple intelligence. To enhance clarity, you may also use alternatives such as "wisdom", "astuteness", or "discernment", depending on the intended nuance. Based on the examples, "sagacity" is often used to describe qualities of remarkable leaders or important decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wisdom

Emphasizes accumulated knowledge and understanding.

astuteness

Highlights the ability to accurately assess situations and people.

discernment

Focuses on the ability to distinguish between different options and make sound judgments.

shrewdness

Implies cleverness and practicality in decision-making.

perspicacity

Stresses keenness of insight and understanding.

insightfulness

Highlights the ability to gain a deep understanding of complex situations.

prudence

Focuses on carefulness and good judgment in practical matters.

intelligence

General mental capacity and ability to reason.

foresight

Emphasizes the ability to predict future events or trends.

good judgment

A more general term for the ability to make sound decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "sagacity" in a sentence?

You can use "sagacity" to describe someone's ability to make wise and insightful decisions. For example: "The leader's "wisdom" was evident in their handling of the crisis".

What are some alternatives to "sagacity"?

Alternatives to "sagacity" include "wisdom", "astuteness", and "discernment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sagacity" a formal word?

Yes, "sagacity" is considered a formal word and is more appropriate for academic, professional, or literary contexts.

What's the difference between "sagacity" and "intelligence"?

"Intelligence" refers to general mental ability, while "sagacity" implies a deeper, more experienced wisdom and "perspicacity".