Sagacity

n.thoughtful, capableformal

What it means

Wise and practical judgment.

Reach for it when naming practical wisdom, perceptive judgment, and awareness of consequences

Her sagacity helped the village prepare before the drought.

everyday
judgment
when choosing well is the plain idea
not when Judgment is neutral unless its quality is stated.
warm
insight
when deep understanding is the valued result
not when Insight can remain theoretical.
warm
wisdom
when sound judgment shaped by experience is central
not when Wisdom also includes moral and spiritual judgment.
professional
astuteness
when quick sharp understanding is the strength
not when Astuteness can sound tactical or self-interested.
professional
discernment
when distinguishing subtle differences matters
not when Discernment does not ensure a practical decision.
professional
foresight
when anticipating long-term consequences is central
not when Foresight is one component of sagacity.
professional
shrewdness
when practical advantage is read accurately
not when Shrewdness can imply calculation.
formal
prudence
when cautious foresight about risk matters
not when Prudence is narrower and more restrained.
literary
perspicacity
when rare formal prose needs keen understanding
not when Perspicacity emphasizes perception over wise action.

political sagacity
Her political sagacity lay in making room for a durable compromise.
show sagacity
The trustees showed sagacity by funding maintenance before expansion.
remarkable sagacity
His remarkable sagacity came from listening to the field workers.

Sagacity is formal and uncommon; wisdom is clearer unless the sentence specifically praises keen practical judgment.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.