Which of the following traits best describes someone with perspicacity?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The choice of shrewdness as the best descriptor for someone with perspicacity is grounded in the meaning of both words. Perspicacity refers to the ability to notice and understand things that are not obvious; it implies keen insight and intelligence. A person with perspicacity has an acute understanding and perception of various situations or nuances, enabling them to make well-informed judgments.

Shrewdness is similar in that it denotes a sharpness of understanding or judgment, often in contexts involving practical matters or strategic decisions. The two terms align well because both highlight the ability to perceive and interpret information effectively, demonstrating insight and acumen.

In contrast, indifference signifies a lack of interest or concern, which does not resonate with the active engagement in intellectual perception implied by perspicacity. Humorlessness suggests a rigidity in outlook, lacking the nuanced understanding often associated with someone who has good perceptive abilities. Nostalgia refers to a sentimental longing for the past, which does not connect with the clarity or sharpness of understanding that is characteristic of perspicacity. Thus, shrewdness is the most fitting trait to describe someone known for their perceptive and insightful nature.