Longheaded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having a large or elongated head; characterized by notable intellectual capacity or wisdom; demonstrating careful thought or prudence in decision making
2. Possessing an extended cranial shape; exhibiting high intelligence or shrewdness; marked by wise foresight and sound judgment
3. Describing someone with a prominent or lengthy head shape; indicating cleverness and sagacity; showing the ability to plan ahead and think critically

Etymology: "Longheaded" is a plain compound of "long" and "headed," meaning having a long head or skull. "Headed" here is the adjective formed from "head," so the word literally describes a head of unusual length, a sense that has been used in anthropology and everyday description alike. The word's most notable twist lies in its figurative sense: a person described as longheaded is wise or far-sighted, though the link between skull shape and wisdom is purely a folk association and not a physical fact. Readers meeting it today will more often encounter that metaphorical meaning than the literal one.

Synonyms: shrewd, prudent, wise, clever, astute

Antonyms: foolish, naive, ignorant, unwise, imprudent