Word choice · C1
Clever, shrewd, cunning, astute, wise
These words split intelligence by what it is for. Clever is quick. Bright is quick and young. Brilliant is exceptional. Shrewd and astute are good judgement in practical and commercial matters. Cunning is intelligence used to deceive. Wise is judgement about life, earned over time. Only cunning is an insult, and only wise requires experience.
Which word, and why
- clever
quick — finds the answer fast
Able to understand and solve things quickly.
a clever idea · clever with his hands · too clever by half
- shrewd
good practical judgement, especially about money and people
Able to judge a situation accurately and act on it to your advantage.
a shrewd investor · a shrewd move · shrewd judgement
- cunning
clever at deceiving — the only insult here
Skilled at getting what you want by trickery.
a cunning plan · cunning as a fox · low cunning
- astuteformal
quick to see what really matters, in business or politics
Showing an accurate and rapid understanding of a situation.
an astute observer · politically astute · an astute analysis
- wise
judgement about life, built from experience
Able to make good decisions because of long experience and reflection.
a wise decision · wise words · wise after the event
- bright
quick to learn — usually said of young people
Intelligent and quick to pick things up.
a bright student · bright as a button
- brilliant
exceptional, far beyond the average
Extremely intelligent or extremely skilful.
a brilliant scientist · a brilliant career
- ingenious
clever at inventing solutions and devices
Original and inventive in solving a practical problem.
an ingenious device · an ingenious solution
- cannyinformal
careful and shrewd, especially with money
Shrewd in a practical, cautious way.
a canny operator · canny with money
- sharp
quick to notice things others miss
Quick to perceive and understand.
a sharp mind · sharp-eyed · nothing gets past her
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Buying the freehold before the rezoning went through was a move.