YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

shrewd

Adjective

IPA /ʃruːd/

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Meaning in plain English

Good at understanding situations and making sensible, practical judgements.

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Pronunciation

shrewd/ʃruːd/

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An attractive second-hand car
Check likely repair costs
Make an informed practical choice

A shrewd buyer understands the situation and uses good practical judgement.

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She made a shrewd choice by checking the repair costs before buying the old car.
His shrewd observation helped the team spot a weakness in the proposal.

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She made a ________ choice by checking the repair costs before buying the old car.

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shrewd — Good at understanding situations and making sensible, practical judgements.

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Good at understanding situations and making sensible, practical judgements.

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Word origin

From Middle English shrew-related forms; its sense developed from negative cunning towards favourable practical judgement.

Did you know?

Shrewd can describe both a person and a judgement, decision or move.

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