What does sagacious mean?
The word sagacious refers to someone or something that exhibits keen discernment and good judgment. A sagacious person is able to make wise decisions and predictions, often due to their intelligence, experience, and intuition. This adjective is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe individuals who possess a high degree of wisdom and insight. Sagacious can be used to characterize a wide range of people, from investors and detectives to observers of human behavior. The word is useful for conveying a sense of respect and admiration for someone's intelligence and judgment.
adjectiveHaving keen discernment and good judgment; wise.
- Having keen discernment and good judgment
- Having a keen sense of smell or taste
"The sagacious investor made a fortune by predicting the market trends."
"The sagacious detective solved the case with ease."
"She was a sagacious observer of human behavior."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sagacious
The word sagacious comes from the Latin 'sagax', meaning 'wise' or 'discerning', which is derived from 'sagire', meaning 'to perceive' or 'to discern'. The Latin 'sagax' is also related to 'sagus', meaning 'wise' or 'prophetic'. The word sagacious has been used in English since the 17th century to describe individuals with keen discernment and good judgment.
Usage notes
Formal or literary; often used to describe someone's insight or intuition.