Shrewd
ʃruːd
Definitions
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
ʃruːd
She is a shrewd businesswoman who always makes a profit.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is really good at saving money and always finds the best deals. They're being shrewd—smart about money!
👶 For kids: Being clever and smart about things. Like knowing how to win a game!
More Examples
He made a shrewd investment by buying the property before the market surged.
The company's shrewd marketing strategy increased sales.
How It's Used
"A shrewd investor always researches the market."
"The politician made a shrewd decision to address the public concern."
Idioms & expressions
shrewd as a fox
Very clever and cunning.
"He's as shrewd as a fox, always finding a way to get what he wants."
From Middle English *shrewe*, meaning 'wicked, evil'. Over time, its meaning evolved to suggest cleverness and practical intelligence, likely due to the association of 'evil' with cunning and manipulation, and a 'shrewd' person was one who was able to outwit others.
Historically, 'shrewd' could also imply a degree of severity, although its modern meaning emphasizes intelligence and astuteness. This is seen in earlier uses, where someone might be 'shrewd' in a negative sense, but today it is largely used positively.
Memory tip
Think of a SHREWD detective who quickly solves mysteries – sharp and insightful.