Perspicacious
Word of the Day
What is Perspicacious?
adjective
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things; mentally acute and discerning.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to celebrate intellectual clarity and sharp discernment—qualities essential in study and leadership.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The detective's perspicacious mind pieced the case together.
Her perspicacious comments guided the debate to its core issue.
Investors admire his perspicacious reading of market signals.
Word Origins
Latin perspicax, from perspicere “to look through, see clearly.”
Often contrasted with “myopic” (short-sighted).
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
Her perspicacity saved the company millions.
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Adjective:
The lecture was perspicuous and easy to follow.
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Adjective:
He offered an astute observation during the trial.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: perspicaz
- French: perspicace
- German: scharfsinnig
- Italian: perspicace
- Portuguese: perspicaz
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Astute
Astute implies cleverness in practical affairs; perspicacious emphasizes depth of understanding.
Sagacious
Sagacious stresses wisdom and sound judgment; perspicacious highlights perceptive insight.
Discerning
Discerning overlaps but can imply selectiveness; perspicacious conveys sharper acuity.
Fun Facts
- Falcons were once described as “perspicacious” for their keen sight, linking literal vision with mental acuity.
- Philosophers from Bacon to Kant lauded perspicacity as an intellectual virtue.
Cultural Usage
- Critics praised Virginia Woolf's perspicacious depictions of consciousness.
- Perspicacious advisors shaped pivotal decisions during crises.
Common Mistakes
Not to be confused with “perspicuous,” which means “clearly expressed.”
Micro Story
Her perspicacious analysis revealed flaws no one else had noticed.