canny

The definition of canny is someone shrewd, clever or careful with money.

(adjective)

  1. A person who can read people's moods and get them to respond to him and do what he wants is an example of someone who would be described as canny.
  2. A businessman who does not overpay for supplies is some who is canny.

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See canny in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective cannier, canniest

  1. careful and shrewd in one's actions and dealings; clever and cautious
  2. careful with money; thrifty
  3. Scot. careful in action; gentle; easy; quiet
  4. Brit., Dialectal good; nice; fine

Origin: < can + -y

adverb

Scot. in a canny or cautious manner

See canny in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective can·ni·er, can·ni·est
  1. Careful and shrewd, especially where one's own interests are concerned.
  2. Cautious in spending money; frugal.
  3. Scots
    a. Steady, restrained, and gentle.
    b. Snug and quiet.

Origin:

Origin: From can1

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Related Forms:

  • canˈni·ly adverb
  • canˈni·ness noun

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