Where Does Shrewdly Come from?

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.

What is shrewdly mean?

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.

What makes someone shrewd?

A shrewd person is able to understand and judge a situation quickly and to use this understanding to their own advantage. She's a shrewd businesswoman.