Definition of shrewd

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shrewdness >

shrewd    (shrd) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
shrewd·er, shrewd·est

1. Characterized by keen awareness, sharp intelligence, and often a sense of the practical.
2. Disposed to artful and cunning practices; tricky.
3. Sharp; penetrating: a shrewd wind.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English shrewed, wicked, from shrew, rascal ; see shrew

OTHER FORMS:
shrewdly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
shrewd, sagacious, astute, perspicacious

These adjectives mean having or showing keen awareness, sound judgment, and often resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. Shrewd suggests a sharp intelligence, hardheadness, and often an intuitive grasp of practical considerations: "He was too shrewd to go along with them upon a road which could lead only to their overthrow" (J.A. Froude). Sagacious connotes prudence, discernment, and farsightedness: "He was observant and thoughtful, and given to asking sagacious questions" (John Galt). Astute suggests shrewdness, especially with regard to one's own interests: An astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease. Perspicacious implies penetration and clear-sightedness: She is much too perspicacious to be taken in by such a spurious argument. See also Synonyms at clever.