Words / C2

in-SYS-iv/ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/

Incisive means sharp and clear, cutting quickly to what matters: incisive criticism, an incisive mind. Sharp and penetrating are cousins; concise (already in the dictionary) is short and clear — related, not the same. Incise is cut; an incision is a surgical cut. Do not call a rude interruption incisive.

Meaning

Clear, sharp, and cutting quickly to the point.

Examples

• “An incisive question about the n ended the slogan.”
• “Sharp is everyday. Concise is brief (already in C1). Incisors cut food. A short insult is not incisive. A question that finds the missing cell is.”

Good to know

Sharply clear-minded. Everyday: sharp. Cousin: concise (brief). Mix-up: a cutting tone without a point. Rudeness is not insight.

Near in meaning

sharp

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