Shrewd

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ʃɹuːd/

Definitions

1. Possessing keen judgment, sharp intelligence, and the ability to discern hidden motives or practical truths, often combined with astute business sense and careful calculation
2. Having a clever awareness and insight that allows for astute decision-making, particularly in practical matters or negotiations, often with a focus on financial benefits
3. Exhibiting acute intelligence and practical understanding that leads one to make wise choices in both social situations and business dealings, often involving strategic thinking

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "shrewd" is that it once meant "wicked" and was a curse. In Old English, "sċrēawa" named a wicked person, literally a "biter," and it became the word "shrew" for a spiteful woman. Middle English then turned "shrew" into a verb, "schrewen," meaning to curse, or to beshrew someone, and from that came "schrewed," meaning depraved or wicked, which was literally "accursed." The word then shed its moral heat. In the early 1500s it began to mean "cunning," a crafty mind more than a bad one, and by the 1600s that sense had gained a positive connotation. A person who was once called accursed came to be admired for sharp, practical judgment.

Synonyms: astute, clever, cunning, smart, perceptive

Antonyms: foolish, naive, ignorant