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sagacity

American  
[suh-gas-i-tee] / səˈgæs ɪ ti /

noun

  1. An image of the word sagacity as defined by acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment.

    acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment.


sagacity British  
/ səˈɡæsɪtɪ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing sagacity

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.

See Examples For:

Halle Berry feels like a big sister, always imbuing a bit of sagacity but distinct youthfulness into every film she does.

From Salon ● May 10, 2026

The Fed undermines this premise four times a year by giving the public ample grounds to question officials’ sagacity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

In his memoirs, Walling wrote: “These liaisons completely changed his mode of life. His proverbial sagacity and prudence deserted him.”

From Slate ● Dec. 28, 2023

These personal notes, with whiffs of sentiment and dollops of sagacity, constitute the bulk of Diop’s novel, giving it a confessional bent that leans on Senegalese cultural practices and history from the 18th century.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 26, 2023

I learned that sagacity and quick wits are necessary in avoiding dangerous situations; and that fatuity and shortsightedness make one go around in circles, seemingly unaware of the many opportunities for escape.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

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