What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wise
Example
My grandmother is a wise woman who always gives me good advice. [wise: adjective]
Example
It's wise to save money for emergencies. [wise: adjective]
Example
He wisely chose to invest in the stock market. [wisely: adverb]
shrewd
Example
The businessman was shrewd enough to negotiate a good deal. [shrewd: adjective]
Example
She has a shrewd mind for business and investments. [shrewd: adjective]
Example
He shrewdly avoided getting involved in the conflict. [shrewdly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wise is a more common word than shrewd in everyday language. Wise is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while shrewd is more specific and often used in business or financial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wise and shrewd?
Both wise and shrewd can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shrewd may be perceived as more formal due to its association with business and finance.
