adjective
1. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
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an acute observer of politics and politicians
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incisive comments
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icy knifelike reasoning
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as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
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penetrating insight
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frequent penetrative observations
• Syn:
• Similar to: ↑perceptive
• Derivationally related forms: ↑sharpness (for: ↑sharp), ↑penetrate, ↑keenness (for: ↑keen), ↑incisiveness (for: ↑incisive), ↑acuteness (for: ↑acute)
2. tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
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a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface
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a cold penetrating wind
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a penetrating odor
• Syn: ↑penetrating
• Similar to: ↑sharp
• Derivationally related forms: ↑penetrate
Useful english dictionary. 2012.