shrewd and careful, especially in financial or business matters
example
Her canny investment strategies have consistently yielded high returns, proving her shrewdness in the market.
synonyms
shrewdastutesavvy
word origin — Originally from the Scots word 'canny', meaning 'careful' or 'knowing', which is derived from the Middle English 'canny', meaning 'knowledgeable' or 'able'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 184
Set 184 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: canny, cursive, slovenly, complaisant, munificent. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
canny · adjective/ˈkæni/
shrewd and careful, especially in financial or business matters
Her canny investment strategies have consistently yielded high returns, proving her shrewdness in the market.
Synonyms: shrewd, astute, savvy
Origin: Originally from the Scots word 'canny', meaning 'careful' or 'knowing', which is derived from the Middle English 'canny', meaning 'knowledgeable' or 'able'.
cursive · adjective/ˈkɜr.sɪv/
a style of handwriting in which letters are slanted and connected in a flowing manner
In her notebook, she practiced writing her name in beautiful cursive handwriting.
Synonyms: script, flowing, joined up
Origin: From Latin 'cursivus', meaning 'running', from 'currere' meaning 'to run'.
slovenly · adjective/ˈslʌvənli/
careless or untidy in appearance or habits
His slovenly appearance at the meeting made a poor impression on his colleagues.
Synonyms: messy, untidy, careless
Origin: from Middle Dutch 'sloef' meaning 'lazy' or 'to sleep' and possibly influenced by the Old English 'slaw' meaning 'sluggish'.
complaisant · adjective/kəmˈpleɪ.zənt/
willing to please others or to accept what they do or say
Her complaisant attitude made it easy for her colleagues to approach her with any request.
Synonyms: obliging, accommodating, agreeable
Origin: The word 'complaisant' comes from the French word 'complaisant', which is derived from 'complaire', meaning 'to please'. It is rooted in the Latin word 'complacere', which also means 'to please'.
munificent · adjective/mjuˈnɪfɪsənt/
very generous or giving
The munificent donation from the local philanthropist allowed the community center to expand its programs significantly.
Synonyms: generous, bountiful, lavish
Origin: from Latin 'munificus', meaning 'generous, bountiful', which is derived from 'munus' meaning 'gift' or 'service'.