adjective
sagacious
suh-GAY-shus/səˈɡeɪʃəs/
Having or showing wise practical judgment.
The sagacious gardener supports the sapling before the approaching storm.
Etymology
With its adjective-forming ending, sagax supplies the idea of keen perception. Sagacious first referred to sharpness of smell, then to discerning truths and human nature—the mental acuity behind sound judgment.
In context
he was cool calm Intrepid sagacious he held Alexander back from many rash Enterprises and was the efficient means of his accomplishing most of his plans
More examples
- A sagacious manager knows when to listen rather than speak.
- Waiting for more information proved to be a sagacious decision.
- His grandmother is a sagacious judge of character.
Forms
sagacious · more sagacious · most sagacious
sagacity noun — The ability to make wise practical judgments.
sagaciously adverb — In a way showing wise practical judgment.
Similar words
- wise
- More common and broader, often suggesting knowledge gained through experience.
- discerning
- Emphasizes recognizing subtle differences rather than making practical decisions.
- prudent
- Emphasizes caution and avoiding risk rather than penetrating insight.