Hello!!
What is the diference between 'shrwed' and 'cunning'?
Is shrewd a positive word?
Thanks in advance
What is the diference between 'shrwed' and 'cunning'?
Is shrewd a positive word?
Thanks in advance
shrewd
Shrewd and cunning are very similar in meaning, but yes, shrewd tends to have more positive connotations, while cunning is usually more negative. This isn't always the case, though -- both can be used neutrally as well.
It also occurs to me that while there is nothing wrong with being shrewd -- it is a very good trait to have if you want to be successful in business or politics -- shrewdness, at least to me, implies being very good at outsmarting people, manipulating situations to your advantage, and often getting ahead by capitalizing on other people's mistakes or shortcomings. It is a trait associated with competitors, strategists, and opportunists. So there is often a subtle undercurrent of implication in "shrewd" that keeps it from being wholly benign in nature, even when it's being used in a neutral or positive sense.
Hope that wasn't overly verbose! Good question, though -- I don't think I've ever had occasion to examine the shades of meaning in those two words.
It also occurs to me that while there is nothing wrong with being shrewd -- it is a very good trait to have if you want to be successful in business or politics -- shrewdness, at least to me, implies being very good at outsmarting people, manipulating situations to your advantage, and often getting ahead by capitalizing on other people's mistakes or shortcomings. It is a trait associated with competitors, strategists, and opportunists. So there is often a subtle undercurrent of implication in "shrewd" that keeps it from being wholly benign in nature, even when it's being used in a neutral or positive sense.
Hope that wasn't overly verbose! Good question, though -- I don't think I've ever had occasion to examine the shades of meaning in those two words.