perspicacious

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.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌpɜː.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
• (US) enPR: pûr'spĭ·kā'shəs, IPA^(key): /ˌpɜːɹ.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -eɪʃəs
• Hyphenation: per‧spi‧ca‧cious

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.

• clairvoyant
• conspicuous
• perspective