Is Shrewd the same as cunning?

As adjectives the difference between cunning and shrewd is that cunning is sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour while shrewd is showing clever resourcefulness in practical matters.

What is an example of shrewd?

Having or showing a clever awareness or resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. The definition of shrewd is sharp or intelligent with practical concerns. An example of shrewd is only spending money on necessities.

What is shrewd personality?

Use the adjective shrewd to describe a person or thing that is smart or clever in a practical sort of way. The word shrewd is from a Middle English adjective formed from the noun schrewe, “an evil person, a villain.” This Middle English noun is an earlier form of our modern English word shrew.

Is shrewd positive or negative?

Shrewd is similar to astute as both words are used to describe sound judgment and practical intelligence. Since shrewd has a negative connotation, it’s usually used to describe someone who is sharp and intelligent, but potentially underhanded at the same time.

What cunning means?

Definition of cunning (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (such as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end a cunning plotter. 2 : characterized by wiliness and trickery cunning schemes. 3 : prettily appealing : cute a cunning little kitten.

Is cunning a positive word?

Similarly, the word shrewd has the label approving to show that this is a type of intelligence that the speaker feels positively about, as opposed to neutral words such as intelligent or wise or decidedly negative words such as cunning or crafty, which have connotations of dishonesty. …

What does shrewd mean?

Definition of shrewd 1a : marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen shrewd common sense. b : given to wily and artful ways or dealing a shrewd operator. 2a : severe, hard a shrewd knock. b : sharp, piercing a shrewd wind. 3 archaic : mischievous.

What is a cunning person?

Someone who is cunning has the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. These disturbed kids can be cunning. Cunning is the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people.

How can I be shrewd and cunning?

Take an objective point of view. Cunning people try not to let their perception and decision-making be clouded by emotion or prejudice. Instead, they prefer objective, factual truths. It’s easy to tell yourself to take an objective point of view, but it’s a much harder matter to set about doing it.

What is an example of cunning?

The definition of cunning is something done with ingenuity or clever deception. An example of cunning is the way a racoon gets into a closed garbage can.

Who is a cunning person?

What is the difference between shrewd and cunning?

up vote 2 down vote accepted. “Shrewd” is not necessarily negative – to call a businessman shrewd is generally a compliment, meaning “taking advantage of hidden opportunities”. “Cunning” is more negative, meaning “good at deceiving people” (though in the past it used to be equivalent to “cute”!). “Sly” is about the same as “cunning”.

Is being shrewd a negative word?

“Shrewd” is not necessarily negative – to call a businessman shrewd is generally a compliment, meaning “taking advantage of hidden opportunities”.

What is another word for cunning?

See more synonyms for cunning on Thesaurus.com. noun. skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving; craftiness; guile. adeptness in performance; dexterity: The weaver’s hand lost its cunning.

What is the difference between cunning and Sly?

“Cunning” is more negative, meaning “good at deceiving people” (though in the past it used to be equivalent to “cute”!). “Sly” is about the same as “cunning”. You might also consider “scheming” if she has specific intentions, and “devious” if she hides her true intentions. share|improve this answer.