perspicuity
Americannoun
-
clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.
- Synonyms:
- intelligibility, plainness, clarity
-
the quality of being perspicuous.
- Synonyms:
- transparency
noun
-
the quality of being perspicuous
-
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.
Vocabulary lists containing perspicuity
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
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Eats, Shoots & Leaves
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But your husband’s whole family embraces a collective delusion that his ranting is an indication of his perspicuity.
From Slate • Jan. 2, 2014
But I find their perspicuity, however petty and inadequate, somewhat fascinating.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2013
Crouse fetchingly adorns the evening with passion and perspicuity .
From Time Magazine Archive
Thompson, a high school dropout, said with rare perspicuity that he doubted the FBI would hire him.
From Time Magazine Archive
“Dear me, you are being truthful today,” he said, with remarkable perspicuity.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
