# shrewd

/ˈʃɹud/ (US) · /ʃɹˈuːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shrewd
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 3. severe or piercing

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

describing a cold wind or a sharp pain that feels very strong.

For teachers: describing weather or physical sensations that are sharp, piercing, or severe.

- A shrewd wind blew across the open fields, making everyone shiver.
- The hikers struggled against a shrewd mountain breeze that seemed to cut through their thickest layers of clothing.

Usage: Usually describes wind, cold, or physical pain.

## Examples

- She made a shrewd investment that doubled her money.
- A shrewd negotiator knows exactly when to stay silent to make the other side feel uncomfortable.
- His shrewd assessment of the shifting political landscape allowed him to align with the winning party long before his rivals even noticed the change in public mood.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.