Sagacious
adjective /səˈɡeɪ.ʃəs/ — Having keen judgment and discernment
Definition
Having or showing good judgment, wisdom, and acute practical perception — the quality of seeing what matters and knowing what to do about it.
Beyond the definition
Wisdom that works. Sagacious people don't just know things — they know which things matter and how to act on that knowledge. It is wisdom applied to reality.
Origin & history
From Latin 'sagax' (of quick perception, sharp-scented) — from 'sagire' (to perceive keenly). The keen nose that finds what is hidden. Related to 'sage' (wise person).
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Her sagacious reading of the situation — three weeks before anyone else saw what was coming — saved the project.
A sagacious investor isn't necessarily smarter; they are more honest about what they don't know.
The sagacious parent gives advice only when it has been requested — and then only once.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Sagacious” when the meaning fits your context: Having or showing good judgment, wisdom, and acute practical perception — the quality of seeing what matters and knowing what to do about it.
Synonyms
wise, shrewd, perceptive, astute, discerning
Antonyms
foolish, obtuse, shortsighted
Related words
Sagacious vs wise
Sagacious implies a sharp, discerning ability to make good judgments, often in business or policy. Wise is a broader, more human term for long-term experience and moral depth.
Questions about this word
What does "Sagacious" mean?
Sagacious is adjective meaning: Having keen judgment and discernment. Having or showing good judgment, wisdom, and acute practical perception — the quality of seeing what matters and knowing what to do about it.
Where does the word "Sagacious" come from?
From Latin 'sagax' (of quick perception, sharp-scented) — from 'sagire' (to perceive keenly). The keen nose that finds what is hidden. Related to 'sage' (wise person).