Sagacious

/səˈɡeɪʃəs/advancedadjective

Young protagonists get clever twists; elders in stories get this older cousin of wise, the kind that comes from watching the same mistake in three decades.

Learn This Word

Meaning

Having keen mental perception and understanding; wise and discerning in judgment.

Memory trick

Think "SAGA-CIOUS" = "SAGA (wise story) + CIOUS (conscious)", wise and conscious. Sagacious = wise and perceptive.

Examples

1

The sagacious leader made decisions that benefited the entire organization.

2

Her sagacious observations about human nature impressed everyone.

3

The mentor's sagacious advice guided the young entrepreneur to success.

Synonyms

wisediscerningperceptiveastuteshrewdinsightfuljudicious

Antonyms

foolishunwiseobtusenaiveshortsighted

Etymology

From Latin sagax "keen-scented, keen-witted," from sagire "to perceive keenly."

Usage Notes

Formal and literary word used to describe wisdom and keen judgment. Often used in professional and academic contexts.

Real-life contexts

1

Praise wisdom: "That was a sagacious decision."

2

Describe insight: "Her sagacious observations were invaluable."

3

Use formally: "The sagacious approach proved effective."

Common Mistakes

Sagacious refers to wisdom and keen perception, not just intelligence.

Sagacious: Meaning, Memory Trick & Examples | WordFlippin