canny

What does “canny” mean?

adjective.having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in passages related to finance, strategy, or decision-making, emphasizing the ability to navigate complex situations with intelligence and foresight. It suggests a level of cleverness and resourcefulness that distinguishes it from similar words like "shrewd," which may carry a more negative connotation of cunning or deceit.

Common Confusions

Canny implies a shrewdness that leads to wise financial decisions, while shrewd usually suggests a cleverness that may involve manipulative or deceitful tactics.

Example Sentences

• The politician gave a canny response to the reporter's questions.

• The canny lawyer knew just how to get what he wanted.

• She's a canny lass hor like!

• That's a canny big horse, man!