incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation)

an incisive analysis

an incisive unsentimental writer

incisively adverb

incisiveness noun

Did you know?

Incisive has meant "impressively direct and decisive" since around 1834 and derives from the Latin verb caedere, meaning "to cut." Its linguistic kin include many cuttings from the fruitful stem caedere, such as scissors, chisel, incise ("to cut into or engrave"), excise ("to remove by cutting"), incisor ("a front tooth typically adapted for cutting"), incision ("cut" or "gash"), precise ("minutely exact"), and concise ("brief"). Incisive also carries a couple of lesser-known literal meanings relating to cutting: "having a cutting edge or piercing point" (as in "incisive fangs"), and, in dentistry, "of, relating to, or situated near the incisors."

Examples of incisive in a Sentence

She's known for her incisive mind and quick wit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Few would have predicted Forest rubbing shoulders with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s team have earned their place among the top six, using blistering counter-attacks and direct, incisive passing to catch opponents off guard. —Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

Rich in institutional history and memorable characters, this book is an incisive introduction to the politics of spying in South Asia. —Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

Reid, known for her incisive political analysis and coverage of race and inequality, will host her final show on February 25. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025

The designer’s Manhattan apartment, completed just months before her woefully premature death, perfectly captures her incisive eye and her steadfast belief in the ennobling power of great design. —Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incisive

• decisive
• divisive
• indecisive

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Kids Definition

incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: impressively clear and direct

an incisive argument

incisively adverb

incisiveness noun

Medical Definition

incisive

adjective

in·​ci·​sive in-ˈsī-siv 

: incisal

also : of, relating to, or situated near the incisors