Shrewd: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：sharp and savvy (shrewd)

shrewd 🔊

/ʃruːd/

adj.

Clever and having very good judgment, especially in practical matters like business or money, so you can make smart decisions.

Shrewd person analyzing financial charts with a focused, intelligent expression in a modern office.

sharp and savvy 🔊

➕

/ʃɑːrp ənd ˈsævi/

adj.

Describes a person who shows sharp powers of judgment, especially in practical or financial matters, often implying a keen understanding of situations and people.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'shrewed' meaning 'wicked, cunning', related to 'shrew' (a small, aggressive mammal).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: A SHREW is a small, quick-witted mammal. A SHREWD person has sharp, quick-witted judgment.

📖 Example

Her shrewd investment in the new tech startup turned out to be incredibly profitable. 🔊 Her sharp and savvy investment in the new tech startup turned out to be incredibly profitable.

🔗 Collocations

shrewd businessperson – a clever and perceptive person in commercial affairs

a shrewd move – a clever and well-judged action or decision

shrewd observation – a perceptive and insightful remark or notice

🔄 Synonyms

astute (adj.) – Having an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.

canny (adj.) – Having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters.

sagacious (adj.) – Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise.

🚫 Antonyms

naive (adj.) – Lacking experience, wisdom, or judgment.

foolish (adj.) – Lacking good sense or judgment; unwise.

imprudent (adj.) – Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.

🌱 Derivatives

shrewdly (adv.) – In a manner showing sharp powers of judgment; astutely.

shrewdness (n.) – The quality of being shrewd; astuteness.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally meaning 'wicked, evil' (13th century), its sense shifted to 'cunning, clever in practical affairs' in the 16th century. The word is linked to the shrew, a small but notoriously fierce and quick mammal, metaphorically extending to a person with sharp, perceptive judgment.