perspicuity

[ pur-spi-kyoo-i-tee ]

noun

1. clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.

   Synonyms: plainness, intelligibility, clarity

2. the quality of being perspicuous.

   Synonyms: transparency

   Antonyms: dimness, opacity

perspicuity

/ ˌpɜːspɪˈkjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being perspicuous
2. acute perception; perspicacity

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspicuity¹

From the Latin word perspicuitās, dating back to 1470–80. See perspicuous, -ity

Synonym Study

Perspicuity, perspicacity are both derived from a Latin word meaning “to see through.” Perspicacity refers to the power of seeing clearly, to clearness of insight or judgment: a person of acute perspicacity; the perspicacity of his judgment. Perspicuity refers to something that can be seen through, i.e., to lucidity, clearness of style or exposition, freedom from obscurity: the perspicuity of her argument.

Example Sentences

Thus Arnold thinks that what Tacitus gained in energy he lost in elegance and perspicuity.

From Project Gutenberg

The picture of the stage coach era herein drawn may be lacking in vigor and perspicuity of style, but it contains no exaggeration.

From Project Gutenberg

By the side of him trotted two poodles, whose close-cropped skins showed out with remarkable perspicuity.

From Project Gutenberg

Writers of our own time who have never gone in for a course of logic rarely condescend to complete perspicuity.

From Project Gutenberg

It is written without prejudice, with considerable perspicuity, and with unquestionable sincerity.

From Project Gutenberg