Shrewd

Adjective

Definition: Having or showing good judgement and mental sharpness; astute.

Synonyms: Astute, Clever, Smart, Intelligent, Sharp, Sagacious

Antonyms: Foolish, Naive, Gullible, Obtuse

Examples:

The shrewd businessman quickly assessed the market and made profitable investments.
She made a shrewd decision by taking advantage of the discounted prices and buying stocks.

Mnemonics:

Think of a shrew, a small and clever mammal known for its cunning behavior.
Imagine a wise owl, symbolizing shrewdness and sharp mental acuity.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'schrewen', from Old English 'scrēowan' (to curse, beshrew)

Historical Usage:

The word 'shrewd' originally referred to someone being malicious or bad-tempered. Over time, it evolved to describe someone with sharp judgment and cleverness.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Shrewd as a fox"

Explanation:

Refers to someone who is exceptionally clever, cunning, and able to make shrewd decisions.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'shrewd' with 'cunning' or 'manipulative'.

Explanation:

While a shrewd person may exhibit cunning behavior, the term itself refers to having good judgment and mental sharpness, rather than indicating negativity or deceitfulness.