perspicacity

[ pur-spi-kas-i-tee ]

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noun

keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.
Archaic. keen vision.

Origin of perspicacity

First recorded in 1540–50; earlier perspicacite, from Late Latin perspicācitās “sharpness of sight,” equivalent to perspicāci- (stem of perspicāx “sharp-sighted”; see perspicuous) + -tās -ty²

synonym study For perspicacity

1. See perspicuity.

Other words for perspicacity

1	shrewdness, acuity, astuteness, insight, acumen

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Opposites for perspicacity

1	obtuseness

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Words Nearby perspicacity

How to use perspicacity in a sentence

Under his rough exterior Soult hid great powers of business, a keen perspicacity, and much tact.
Napoleon's Marshals | R. P. Dunn-Pattison
His spirit is of a superhuman perspicacity; his mind is tenacious and full of all knowledge that man may have.
Giovanni Boccaccio, a Biographical Study | Edward Hutton
As the sequel showed, he clearly demonstrates his own perspicacity and knowledge of human nature.
Islam Her Moral And Spiritual Value | Arthur Glyn Leonard
Lynx-eyed perspicacity, inexhaustible contrivance, prompt ingenuity,—a man very dangerous to play with at games of skill.
History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XV. (of XXI.) | Thomas Carlyle
He even asserted that those at the head of affairs in England had shown great perspicacity and a clear insight into the future.
South African Memories | Lady Sarah Wilson

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