incisive

/ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈsī-siv/ (ame, mw)

incisive — adjective

  • incisivepositive
  • more incisivecomparative
  • most incisivesuperlative

1. able to identify what really matters about a topic and say it in a short, sharpl

1.形容詞C1
釋義

able to identify what really matters about a topic and say it in a short, sharply-worded way that others find convincing.

例句

Renata gave an incisive analysis of why the company kept losing money in Asia.

incisive + analysis (most common collocation)

The judge asked one incisive question that exposed the witness's lie within seconds.

incisive + question (cuts through evasion)

同義詞
  • penetrating

    near-synonym for analysis; slightly more about depth than brevity

  • trenchant

    more formal; stronger note of being severely critical

  • perceptive

    broader — about noticing things, not necessarily saying them sharply

  • astute

    praises shrewd judgement; less about the cutting style of expression

反義詞
  • vague

    fails to pin down what matters

  • rambling

    the opposite of short and sharp

  • superficial

    stays on the surface rather than identifying the core issue

文法句型

incisive + noun (analysis, question, comment)

be + incisive

用法筆記

Typically modifies abstract nouns of thought or expression (analysis, comment, mind, question, remark, critique). Subject of 'be incisive' is usually a person, their writing, or their spoken contribution — rarely a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌Indra wrote an incisive report about her holiday in Bali.
✅Indra wrote a detailed report about her holiday in Bali.
💡'incisive' needs an analytical or evaluative subject, not a travel diary.

2. showing the ability to decide quickly and act with real force, often in sport, b

2.形容詞C2
釋義

showing the ability to decide quickly and act with real force, often in sport, business, or military contexts.

例句

Chidi's incisive running down the left wing created three clear chances before halftime.

incisive + running / play (sports commentary)

The new CEO is known for incisive decisions that turned two factories around quickly.

incisive + decisions / leadership (business)

同義詞
  • decisive

    very close in this sense; emphasises settling the outcome

  • sharp

    informal; about quick reactions in play or business

  • forceful

    stresses strength of action over precision

反義詞

文法句型

incisive + noun (performance, leadership, intervention)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: here the focus is decisive PHYSICAL or strategic action, not sharp expression of ideas. Subject is usually a player, leader, military unit, or their move; common in match reports and business profiles.

常見錯誤

❌Nikhil gave an incisive speech about his cooking.' (no decisive-action meaning)
✅Nikhil made an incisive run past two defenders.
💡keep sense 2 for performance and action, not talk.