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.
Synonyms
wisdom, acumen, perspicacity, shrewdness, discernment
Antonyms
foolishness, naivety, obtuseness
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Wise Decision Review
A team leader reviews a map and structural model with colleagues, showing a thoughtful, calm ability to make sound judgements.
The team leader displays sagacity by carefully weighing the model's structure before acting. They know not just the truth of the architectural plans, but exactly what to do with that truth in the real world to achieve a successful, practical outcome.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration