Shrewdly Meaning and Definition
Shrewdly
Pronunciation
/ˈʃroʊdli/
Part of Speech
Adverb
Definition
A word indicating a clever or cunning manner of acting or thinking, often with the intention of achieving a desirable outcome.
Examples
- She shrewdly maneuvered the negotiation to get the best deal.
- He shrewdly invested in the startup, which quickly took off.
Synonyms
- Cleverly
- Wily
- Canvassing
Antonyms
- Naively
- Clumsily
- Unstrategically
Etymology
The word “Shrewdly” has its roots in Old English and is derived from the term “schrōd”, meaning “sharp” or “cunning”.
Usage Notes
Shrewdly is often used to describe actions or decisions that demonstrate cleverness, prudence, or resourcefulness.
Cultural References
Shrewdly has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. One notable example is the phrase “shrewdly observe” used by the character Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To read between the lines
- To get around the rules
- To cut the mustard
Related Words or Phrases
- Street smart
- Cunning
- Perceptive
Collocations
- Shrewdly observed
- Shrewdly calculated
- Shrewdly manipulated
Frequency of Use
Shrewdly is a commonly used adverb in formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken language.
Common Misspellings
- Shrewedley
- Shrewedli
- Shrewdeli