Shrewd Meaning and Definition
Shrewd
Pronunciation
/ʃroʊd/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A shrewd person is someone who is clever, cunning, and perceptive; able to make informed and insightful decisions; characterized by keen judgment and a clever understanding of situations.
Examples
1. “She was a shrewd businesswoman who always knew how to negotiate a good deal.”
2. “He was a shrewd observer of human behavior and was able to read people’s intentions easily.”
Synonyms
1. Clever
2. Cunning
3. Astute
Antonyms
1. Naive
2. Gullible
3. Inexperienced
Etymology
The word “shrewd” comes from the Old English word “scrīd,” which means “sly” or “cunning.” It has been used in the English language since the 14th century and has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to cleverness and perception.
Additional Information
A person who is shrewd is often able to make quick and informed decisions, and is not easily fooled or deceived. They are perceptive and observant, and are able to read people and situations with ease. In business and politics, being shrewd is often seen as a valuable asset, as it allows individuals to navigate complex situations and make advantageous moves. However, being too shrewd can also be seen as manipulative or untrustworthy.
Shrewd individuals are often characterized by their ability to think critically and strategically, and are able to see patterns and connections that others may miss. They are also often adept at communication and are able to persuade and influence others to achieve their goals.
In personal relationships, being shrewd can be both a positive and negative trait. On the one hand, it can help individuals to navigate complex social situations and avoid being taken advantage of. On the other hand, it can also lead to a lack of empathy or trust, and may cause individuals to be seen as manipulative or unscrupulous.
Usage Notes
The word “shrewd” is often used in formal or business settings to describe a person who is able to make quick and informed decisions. It can also be used in more informal settings to describe someone who is perceptive and observant.
However, the word “shrewd” can also have negative connotations, and may imply that someone is manipulative or unscrupulous. In these cases, it is often better to use alternative words or phrases to convey the desired meaning.
Cultural References
The word “shrewd” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character of Jay Gatsby is described as “shrewd” and “cunning” in his business dealings.
In the TV show “The Sopranos,” the character of Tony Soprano is often described as “shrewd” and “calculating” in his business and personal dealings.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Shrewd business sense” – This phrase is used to describe someone who has a keen understanding of business and is able to make informed decisions.
2. “Shrewd observer” – This phrase is used to describe someone who is perceptive and able to read people and situations with ease.
Collocations
1. “Shrewd businesswoman” – This phrase is a common collocation that describes a woman who is able to navigate the business world with ease.
2. “Shrewd observer of human behavior” – This phrase is a common collocation that describes someone who is able to read people and situations with ease.
Frequency of Use
The word “shrewd” is a moderately common word in English, and is often used in formal and informal settings. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “shrewd” has a frequency of use of 0.29 per million words.
Common Misspellings
1. “Shrew” – This is a common misspelling of the word “shrewd.” It is often used to describe a person who is mean or unpleasant.
2. “Shrade” – This is a rare misspelling of the word “shrewd.” It is often used to describe a person who is deceitful or manipulative.