Words / C1

SHROOD/ʃruːd/

Shrewd means sharply practical in judgement: a shrewd question, shrewd with money. Clever can be showy; cunning hints at dishonesty; astute is a close formal cousin. Shrew is an old insult — ignore it in modern essays. Do not call a lucky guess shrewd.

Meaning

Good at judging people and situations in a practical, sharp way.

Examples

• “A shrewd chair left the budget item until last.”
• “A shrewd chair put the budget last, when people still had the facts.”
• “Shrewd is praise for judgement; sly is a darker cousin.”

Good to know

Sharply practical judgement. Close: astute. Everyday: clever (wider). Darker: cunning / sly. Not luck.

Near in meaning

astute

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