Shrewd

Pronunciation

• enPR: shroÍžod, IPA: /ʃɹuːd/

• Rhymes: -uːd

Origin

From Middle English shrewe ("evil man"). See shrew

Full definition of shrewd

Adjective

1. showing clever resourcefulness in practical matters
2. artful, tricky or cunning
3. streetwise
• 2003, Ron Ross, Bummy Davis vs. Murder, Inc, Willie is very aware of this fact and lets Johnny Attell know that there is a fly in the ointment, and Johnny, who is a very shrewd article, has his chauffeur drive him to Bradford Street so he can change the kid's mind.
4. knowledgeable
• 2011, November 10, Jeremy Wilson, tEngland Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report, The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.
5. (archaic) Scolding, satirical, sharp.
• 1599, William Shakespeare, ,LEONATO. By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.

Derived terms

• shrewdly
• shrewdness