English Dictionary

Definition of “perspicacious

perspicacious (ˌpɜːspɪˈkeɪʃəsPronunciation for perspicacious

Definitions

adjective

  1. acutely perceptive or discerning
  2. archaic having keen eyesight

Alternative Forms

ˌperspiˈcaciously adverb perspicacity (ˌpɜːspɪˈkæsɪtɪPronunciation for perspicacity ˌperspiˈcaciousness noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin perspicax,  from perspicere to look at closely; see perspective

Usage examples

  • Blue, puzzled eyes fixed on hers, which were brown and perspicacious.
    Loraine, Philip, Loaded Questions (1985)
  • "I agree," said Leafs captain Mats Sundin, a perspicacious fellow.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • "The book gives a clear advantage to perspicacious consumers, who can build up a real knowledge of the London market.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Another friend described her as having great sparkle, able to be witty without being cruel, gracious, amusing and perspicacious.
    C.S. Nicholls, ELSPETH HUXLEY: A BIOGRAPHY (2002)

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