streetwise

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Word: Streetwise

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "streetwise" describes someone who has a lot of practical knowledge and experience about how to deal with life in a city or urban environment. A streetwise person is clever and knows how to handle difficult situations, especially those that might be risky or challenging.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "streetwise" to describe people who are savvy and able to navigate city life.
• It often implies that the person has learned important life lessons from real-life experiences rather than from books or formal education.

Example:

• "Even though she grew up in a quiet town, after living in the city for a few years, she became very streetwise and knew how to avoid trouble."

Advanced Usage:

• You might use "streetwise" not only to talk about city life but also to describe someone who is clever and quick-thinking in any challenging situation, even outside of a city context.

Word Variants:

• Streetwise (adjective): Having practical knowledge of street life.
• Streetwisdom (noun): The knowledge and understanding gained from street experiences.

Different Meaning:

• While "streetwise" primarily refers to knowledge of urban life, it can also imply a certain toughness or resilience that comes from facing life's challenges head-on.

Synonyms:

• Savvy
• Street-smart
• Astute
• Shrewd
• Wise to the ways of the world

Idioms:

• "In the know": This means being informed about what is happening, similar to being streetwise.
• "Know the ropes": This means understanding how to handle a situation, like being streetwise in navigating city life.

Phrasal Verbs:

• Although there are no direct phrasal verbs that mean exactly "streetwise," you can use phrases like "get by" (to manage or survive in a difficult situation) to convey similar meanings.

Academic

Adjective

1. having the shrewd resourcefulness needed to survive in an urban environment

Synonyms

• street smart
• with-it