sagacity

American  

[suh-gas-i-tee] / səˈgæs ɪ ti /

noun

1. acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment.

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sagacity British  

/ səˈɡæsɪtɪ /

noun

1. foresight, discernment, or keen perception; ability to make good judgments

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Etymology

Origin of sagacity

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin sagācitās “wisdom,” equivalent to sagāci- (stem of sagāx ) “wise” (akin to seek ) + -tās noun suffix; see -ty ²

Explanation

If you are wise and prone to evaluating information before making a decision, you possess sagacity, the trait of solid judgment and intelligent choices. And if that is indeed the case, then good for you! We need more sound thinkers. The Latin word sagācitās is the great-granddaddy of our word sagacity, giving it the meaning "wisdom." Just remember that it contains the word sage, which means "wise one" — our wise ancestors were called "Sages." But before we get too puffed up, we need to remember that in the 17th and 18th centuries, sagacity meant "the acute sense of smell in animals." How humbling. Still, if you display sagacity, you can sniff out a good idea from a bad one.

Example Sentences

Thus did the Prince refute Sagacity, always whispering in his ear that Fortune alternates with Providence, and he must not reckon on a happy hit occurring twice.

From The Browning Cyclop?dia A Guide to the Study of the Works of Robert Browning by Berdoe, Edward

Where he trusts to his own Sagacity, in what affects the Sense, his Conjectures are generally absurd and extravagant, and violating every Rule of Criticism.

From Eighteenth Century Essays on Shakespeare by Smith, David Nichol

As such, I present them, without any Remarks, to my Reader, who, if he only goes near to be edified by them, will discover a great Share of Sagacity.

From An Essay towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744) by Clifford, James L.

Sagacity said he had been precipitate, rash, and rude, though in the right: he should have blown a trumpet-blast to let the wrong-doers know they must set their house in order.

From The Browning Cyclop?dia A Guide to the Study of the Works of Robert Browning by Berdoe, Edward

It is commonly thought that the Sagacity of these Fathers, in discovering the Talent of a young Student, has not a little contributed to the Figure which their Order has made in the World.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph