shrewd
How to Use Shrewd
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClever and practical, especially good at spotting the best move or judging people accurately.
Shrewd is generally a compliment today, unlike its older meaning of "wicked" — don't assume it's negative.
Word Forms
shrewder comparative, shrewdest superlative
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."