noun
sagacity
suh-GAS-uh-tee/səˈɡæsəti/
Wisdom in understanding situations and making good judgments.
Her sagacity helps the team avoid costly mistakes and plan wisely.
Etymology
Sagacity names the quality of keen perception. Its historical use for animals’ acute sense of smell highlights the sharp discernment that, in human judgment, means noticing and understanding what matters.
In context
besides I found that my understanding improved so much with everyday's experience that I was unwilling to commence this undertaking until a few more months should have added to my sagacity several changes in the meantime took place
More examples
- He shows sagacity by listening before offering advice.
- We rely on our grandmother's sagacity when family disagreements arise.
- The decision to delay the expansion proved her sagacity.
Forms
sagacity
sagacious adjective — Showing keen insight and sound judgment.
Similar words
- wisdom
- Broader understanding gained through experience, not necessarily sharp practical insight.
- discernment
- Emphasizes noticing important differences rather than deciding what to do.
- prudence
- Emphasizes caution and avoiding risk rather than perceptive understanding.