First Known Use: 1640
Dictionary
perspicacious
adjective per·spi·ca·cious \ˌpər-spə-ˈkā-shəs\
: having or showing an ability to notice and understand things that are difficult or not obvious
Full Definition of PERSPICACIOUS
: of acute mental vision or discernment : keen
— per·spi·ca·cious·ly adverb
— per·spi·ca·cious·ness noun
— per·spi·cac·i·ty \-ˈka-sə-tē\ noun
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Origin of PERSPICACIOUS
Latin perspicac-, perspicax, from perspicere
Synonym Discussion of PERSPICACIOUS
shrewd, sagacious, perspicacious, astute mean acute in perception and sound in judgment. shrewd stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment <a shrewd judge of character>. sagacious suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness <sagacious investors got in on the ground floor>. perspicacious implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden <a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade>. astute suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill <an astute player of party politics>.
Rhymes with PERSPICACIOUS
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