adj
shrewd
shrood
Shrewd (adj) means showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people. Example: “It was a shrewd move to buy the property before prices rose.”
adj
1
Showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people.
"It was a shrewd move to buy the property before prices rose."
"She's a shrewd negotiator who never shows her hand too early."
How to use shrewd
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClever and practical, especially good at spotting the best move or judging people accurately.
Common mistake
Shrewd is generally a compliment today, unlike its older meaning of "wicked" — don't assume it's negative.
Common pairings
shrewd businessman
shrewd move
shrewd judge of character
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Word forms
- Comparative
- shrewder
- Superlative
- shrewdest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a _____ move to buy the property before prices rose.
Etymology
From Middle English schrewed ("wicked, depraved"); the meaning softened over centuries from "malicious" to "cunning" to today's more approving "sharp-witted."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shrewd
See all rhymes for shrewd →Frequently asked questions
What does “shrewd” mean?
The word “shrewd” means showing sharp, practical judgment, especially in business or dealing with people. In plain terms, clever and practical, especially good at spotting the best move or judging people accurately.
How do you pronounce “shrewd”?
“Shrewd” is pronounced shrood (/ʃɹuːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shrewd” in a sentence?
Here is “shrewd” used in a sentence: “It was a shrewd move to buy the property before prices rose.”
What part of speech is “shrewd”?
“Shrewd” is an adjective.
Where does the word “shrewd” come from?
The word “shrewd” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schrewed ("wicked, depraved"); the meaning softened over centuries from "malicious" to "cunning" to today's more approving "sharp-witted.".
