Sagacity
noun /səˈɡæs.ɪ.ti/ — Keen judgment and practical wisdom
Definition
The quality of having sound judgment and practical wisdom — knowing not just what is true but what to do with that truth in the real world.
Beyond the definition
Wisdom that moves. Sagacity is not just knowing — it is knowing when and how and why.
Origin & history
From Latin 'sagax' (perceptive, keen) — related to 'sagire' (to perceive keenly). The original meaning was sharp-sensed, like a hunting dog. It evolved toward intellectual keenness.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
His sagacity in navigating the merger earned him a reputation that outlasted the deal.
She didn't just know the law — her sagacity lay in knowing when to apply it and when to hold back.
Sagacity is what experience becomes when it learns to generalise.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Sagacity” when the meaning fits your context: The quality of having sound judgment and practical wisdom — knowing not just what is true but what to do with that truth in the real world.
Synonyms
wisdom, acumen, perspicacity, shrewdness, discernment
Antonyms
foolishness, naivety, obtuseness
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Sagacity" mean?
Sagacity is noun meaning: Keen judgment and practical wisdom. The quality of having sound judgment and practical wisdom — knowing not just what is true but what to do with that truth in the real world.
Where does the word "Sagacity" come from?
From Latin 'sagax' (perceptive, keen) — related to 'sagire' (to perceive keenly). The original meaning was sharp-sensed, like a hunting dog. It evolved toward intellectual keenness.