perspicacious

[ pur-spi-key-shuhs ]

adjective

1. having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning:

   to exhibit perspicacious judgment.

   Synonyms: penetrating, shrewd, acute, perceptive

   Antonyms: stupid, dull

2. Archaic. having keen vision.

perspicacious

/ ˌpɜːspɪˈkeɪʃəs; ˌpɜːspɪˈkæsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. acutely perceptive or discerning
2. archaic.
   having keen eyesight

Derived Forms

• ˌperspiˈcaciously, adverb
• perspicacity, noun

Other Words From

• perspi·cacious·ly adverb
• perspi·cacious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspicacious¹

First recorded in 1610–20; perspicaci(ty) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspicacious¹

C17: from Latin perspicax, from perspicere to look at closely; see perspective

Example Sentences

This new slight bitterness extended even to his thoughts about the perspicacious Minetta.

From Project Gutenberg

She consulted with the perspicacious Mr. Harris, and especially sought from him detailed information as to partnership law.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you fear to quote the sublimated utterances of the perspicacious, although pleonastic philosopher?

From Project Gutenberg

That date may indicate, to a perspicacious observer, the epoch at which Flore Brazier ceased to be an honest girl.

From Project Gutenberg

We may quote a paragraph from the pen of "Home Counties," a well-known and perspicacious writer on agricultural topics.

From Project Gutenberg