shrewd
Translation
shrewd, astute, clever
Examples
He was a shrewd businessman.
He was a shrewd businessman.
She made a shrewd guess about the outcome.
She made a shrewd guess about the outcome.
Grammar Patterns
((a shrewd + noun)) having or showing sharp powers of judgment He is a shrewd negotiator.
Similar Words
Synonyms: astute, clever, sharp; Antonyms: naive, foolish
Etymology
From Old English 'screawa' (wicked man), related to the shrew (animal), once thought to be venomous. The meaning shifted to 'clever, astute'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'shrew' (a small, quick animal) being clever or 'shrewd' enough to survive.