English edit

Etymology edit

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 edit

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

Adjective edit

perspicacious (comparative more perspicacious, superlative most perspicacious)

  1. (figuratively) Of acute discernment; having keen insight; mentally perceptive.
    • 1982 April 17, David K. Jose, “Habeas Corpus”, in Gay Community News, page 3:
      As a gay prisoner my incarceration has given me a perspicacious view of our judicial system.
  2. (obsolete) Able to physically see clearly; quick-sighted; sharp-sighted.

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

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See also edit