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incisive

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "incisive": Incisive describes someone or something that is impressively direct, sharp, and clear-thinking. Thin

What does "incisive" mean?

Incisive describes someone or something that is impressively direct, sharp, and clear-thinking. Think of a surgeon’s scalpel or a brilliant mind that cuts through complex, messy details to expose the essential truth of a situation. The word is usually used as a compliment for intellectual work, such as an incisive argument, critique, or analysis. It suggests that the person has "cut away" the fluff, leaving behind only what is most important. It carries a tone of professional respect and mental agility.

"incisive" in conversation

A peer review at work

Your feedback on the project proposal was incredibly incisive.

Your feedback on the project proposal was incredibly incisive.

Thanks, I just wanted to get straight to the bottleneck.

Thanks, I just wanted to get straight to the bottleneck.

Used to praise someone's ability to identify the root cause of a problem.

Discussing a political debate

That journalist gave such an incisive performance tonight.

That journalist gave such an incisive performance tonight.

I agree, she didn't let the candidate dodge a single question.

I agree, she didn't let the candidate dodge a single question.

Used to describe a line of questioning that is persistent and penetrating.

"incisive" in a sentence

  1. She made an incisive comment about the error.

    She made an incisive comment about the error.

  2. The professor provided an incisive analysis of the historical event.

    The professor provided an incisive analysis of the historical event.

  3. His incisive wit allowed him to dismantle the opponent's argument in seconds.

    His incisive wit allowed him to dismantle the opponent's argument in seconds.

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