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Webster 1913 Edition

Perspicacious

Perˊspi-ca′cious

(pẽrˊspĭ-kā′shŭs)
,
Adj.
[L.
perspicax
,
-acis
, fr.
perspicere
to look through: cf. F.
perspicace
. See
Perspective
.]
1.
Having the power of seeing clearly; quick-sighted; sharp of sight.
2.
Fig.: Of acute discernment; keen.
–
Perˊspi-ca′cious-ly
,
adv.
–
Perˊspi-ca′cious-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition

Perspicacious

PERSPICA'CIOUS

,
Adj.
[L. perspicax, from perspicio.]
1.
Quick sighted; sharp of sight.
2.
Of acute discernment.

Definition 2024

perspicacious

perspicacious

English

Adjective

perspicacious ‎(comparative more perspicacious, superlative most perspicacious)

  1. (figuratively) Of acute discernment; having keen insight; mentally perceptive.
  2. (obsolete) Able to physically see clearly; quick-sighted; sharp-sighted.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also

Etymology

First attested 1548, from Late Latin perspicācitās ‎(“discernment”), from Latin perspicax ‎(“sharp-sighted”), from perspiciō ‎(“look through”), from per- ‎(“through”) + speciō ‎(“look at”). See also perspective.

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
  • (US) enPR: pûr'spĭ·kā'shəs, IPA(key): /ˌpɜːɹ.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
  • Rhymes: -eɪʃəs
  • Hyphenation: per‧spi‧ca‧cious

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