What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Shrewd vs Witty - What's the difference?

shrewd | witty |

In archaic terms the difference between shrewd and witty

is that shrewd is scolding, satirical, sharp while witty is possessing a strong intellect or intellectual capacity; intelligent, skilful, ingenious.

As adjectives the difference between shrewd and witty

is that shrewd is showing clever resourcefulness in practical matters while witty is wise, having good judgement.

shrewd

English

Adjective

(er)
  • showing clever resourcefulness in practical matters
  • artful, tricky or cunning
  • streetwise
  • *
  • knowledgeable
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=November 10 , author=Jeremy Wilson , title=tEngland Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report , work=Telegraph citation , page= , passage=The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott. }}
  • (archaic) Scolding, satirical, sharp.
  • * 1599 ,
  • LEONATO. By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.

    Derived terms

    * shrewdly * shrewdness

    witty

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • (label) Wise, having good judgement.
  • *, Bk.VIII, Ch.viij:
  • *:Then cam there a lady that was a wytty lady, and she seyde playnly unto the Kyngthat he sholde never be hole but yf that Sir Trystrames wente into the same contrey than the venym came fro, and in that contrey sholde he be holpyn, other ellys never.
  • (label) Possessing a strong intellect or intellectual capacity; intelligent, skilful, ingenious.
  • *, II.7:
  • *:It hath beene a witty invention.
  • Clever; amusingly ingenious.
  • :
  • Full of wit.
  • :
  • Quick of mind; insightful; in possession of wits.
  • :
  • Synonyms

    * facetious * humorous * jocose * jocular * quick * See also