canny
/'kæni/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Shrewd and prudent, especially in practical matters: "Canny" describes a person who is clever, careful, and wise, particularly in managing situations, finances, or dealings with others. It implies a combination of intelligence and caution.
- Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others: This sense highlights a sharp, sometimes slightly cunning, awareness of one's own advantage in social or business interactions.
Usage
- "Canny" is used to describe a person or their actions, decisions, or judgments. It often carries a positive connotation of wisdom and good sense, though it can sometimes imply a degree of cautious self-interest. It is frequently used in contexts involving business, negotiation, or practical life choices.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The canny investor bought the stocks before their value soared. (This shows shrewdness in financial matters.)
- She gave a canny answer that avoided committing to either side of the argument. (This demonstrates prudent and careful communication.)
- His canny negotiation skills saved the company a lot of money. (This highlights shrewdness in dealing with others.)
Advanced Usage
- "Canny" vs. "Clever": While both imply intelligence, "canny" specifically suggests practical wisdom and caution, often gained from experience. "Clever" can be more general and may not include the element of prudent judgment.
- A clever idea might be innovative, but a canny idea is both smart and strategically safe.
Variants and Related Words
- Cannily (adverb): In a shrewd and prudent manner.
- He cannily avoided the trap set by his competitors.
- Canniness (noun): The quality of being canny; shrewdness.
- Her canniness in business is widely respected.
Synonyms
- Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
- Prudent: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
- Astute: Having an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
- Cagey: Reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion. (Note: "Cagey" can have a more negative connotation of secretiveness than "canny".)
Antonyms
- Foolish: Lacking good sense or judgment; unwise.
- Imprudent: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
- Naive: Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Idioms and Phrases
- (As) canny as a fox: Extremely shrewd and clever. This idiom compares a person's shrewdness to the proverbial cleverness of a fox.
- Don't try to trick him in a deal; he's as canny as a fox.
- A canny Scot: A stereotypical phrase referencing the perceived shrewdness and prudence, especially in financial matters, often associated with Scottish people. (Usage Note: This can be considered a cliché or stereotype and should be used with awareness.)
- He drove a hard bargain, living up to the reputation of a canny Scot.
Adjective
- showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
- a cagey lawyer
- too clever to be sound