sagacious

UK: /səˈɡeɪ.ʃəs/ | US: /səˈɡeɪ.ʃəs/

Definition
  1. adj. having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise or shrewd

Structure
sag <perceptive>acious <adjective suffix, tendency>
Etymology

sagacious = sag<perceptive> + acious<adjective suffix, tendency>

  • sag (from Latin sagax, meaning "perceptive, keen")
  • acious (Latin-derived suffix -acious, indicating a tendency or quality, as in tenacious or audacious)

Etymology Origin:
The word sagacious traces back to the Latin sagax ("keen-scented, perceptive"), originally used to describe hunting dogs with sharp senses. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe humans with sharp mental discernment. The suffix -acious reinforces the adjective form, emphasizing a habitual or marked quality of wisdom.

Examples
  1. The sagacious detective quickly deduced the culprit from subtle clues.

  2. Her sagacious advice saved the company from a costly mistake.

  3. Ancient philosophers were often regarded as sagacious thinkers.

  4. A sagacious leader anticipates challenges before they arise.

  5. His sagacious investment choices earned him considerable wealth.