Perspicacious

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ËŒpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
• US enPR: pûr'spĭ·kā'shÉ™s, IPA: /ËŒpɜːɹ.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃəs
• Hyphenation: per + spi + ca + cious

Origin

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.

Full definition of perspicacious

Adjective

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