perspicuity

American  

[pur-spi-kyoo-i-tee] / ˌpɜr spɪˈkyu ɪ ti /

noun

1. clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.

   Synonyms:

   intelligibility, plainness, clarity

2. the quality of being perspicuous.

   Synonyms:

   transparency

   Antonyms:

   opacity, dimness

---

perspicuity British  

/ ˌpɜːspɪˈkjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being perspicuous

2. acute perception; perspicacity

---

Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of perspicuity

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

Explanation

Someone who is clear and understands things shows perspicuity. When it comes to particle physics, it helps to have a teacher of real perspicuity to explain its complex principles. It takes real perspicuity to unravel the mysteries of Cher's enduring career. Pop stars usually burn out in a matter of years, so explaining how she's managed to survive for decades is not easy: The many twists and turns of her career are almost impossible to track unless you're an observer of genuine perspicuity. By all rights, she should have been washed up twenty years ago, but a person who displays a deep knowledge of her special genius can explain how she's done it. They've got amazing perspicuity.

Example Sentences

Perspicuity, then, we would consider the very soul of vivacity, and vivacity the soul of eloquence.

From Junius Unmasked or, Thomas Paine the author of the Letters of Junius and the Declaration of Independence by Moody, Joel

As in those of Heat, and Light consequently of Rarefaction and Condensation, Hardness, and Fluidness, Perspicuity and Opacousness, Refractions and Colours. &c.

From Micrographia Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon by Hooke, Robert

Perspicuity is by no means the quality of style most in request, when we come to these higher stages of sciences.

From The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded by Bacon, Delia

Perspicuity is the first and most necessary Qualification; insomuch that a good-natur'd Reader sometimes overlooks a little Slip even in the Grammar or Syntax, where it is impossible for him to mistake the Poet's Sense.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph

Perspicuity depends mainly upon these few things:— 1.

From Higher Lessons in English A work on English grammar and composition by Kellogg, Brainerd