Is sagacious a common word?

No, it is fairly uncommon. You will see it more in formal writing than in daily speech.

Is sagacious formal or informal?

It is formal. People usually choose wiser, smarter, or shrewd in conversation.

What's the difference between sagacious and wise?

Wise is more common and general. Sagacious sounds more formal and suggests careful judgment.

How do I use sagacious in a sentence?

Use it before a noun or after a linking verb: “a sagacious leader” or “She was sagacious.”

← Dictionary

sagacious

/səˈɡeɪ.ʃəs/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Having good judgment and sound practical wisdom. A sagacious person sees problems clearly and makes careful, smart decisions.

She gave a sagacious answer in the meeting.
His sagacious advice saved us time.
The manager was sagacious and calm.

Adinary Nuance

Sagacious is close to wise, intelligent, and shrewd, but it feels more formal. Wise is broader and warmer, while shrewd can sound slightly suspicious or business-like. Sagacious suggests careful, thoughtful judgment, especially in serious writing.

In other languages

Vietnamese: sáng suốt
Spanish: sagaz
Chinese: 睿智的
Japanese: 賢明な
Korean: 현명한

Etymology

Sagacious comes from Latin sagax, meaning “quick-scented” or “keen.” English began using it in the 1600s for a person with sharp judgment.

Common phrases

a sagacious decisionsagacious advicesagacious leadership

Synonyms

wise prudent judicious

Related words

wisdom judgment intelligent shrewd

Frequently asked questions

Is sagacious a common word?: No, it is fairly uncommon. You will see it more in formal writing than in daily speech.
Is sagacious formal or informal?: It is formal. People usually choose wiser, smarter, or shrewd in conversation.
What's the difference between sagacious and wise?: Wise is more common and general. Sagacious sounds more formal and suggests careful judgment.
How do I use sagacious in a sentence?: Use it before a noun or after a linking verb: “a sagacious leader” or “She was sagacious.”