What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrewd
Example
The shrewd businessman was able to negotiate a great deal. [shrewd: adjective]
Example
She made a shrewd decision to invest in the stock market. [shrewd: adjective]
intelligent
Example
He is an intelligent student who excels in all his classes. [intelligent: adjective]
Example
She has a deep understanding of the subject matter and is very intelligent. [intelligent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intelligent is more commonly used than shrewd in everyday language. Intelligent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shrewd is less common and more specific to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrewd and intelligent?
Intelligent is generally considered more formal than shrewd, which is often associated with a more casual or informal tone.
