incisive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
    acute; penetrating; penetrative; piercing; discriminating; keen; sharp; knifelike.
    • an acute observer of politics and politicians
    • incisive comments
    • icy knifelike reasoning
    • as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
    • penetrating insight
    • frequent penetrative observations
  2. adjective satellite suitable for cutting or piercing
    • incisive teeth

WordNet

In*ci"sive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. incisif.
Definitions
  1. Having the quality of incising, cutting, or penetrating, as with a sharp instrument; cutting; hence, sharp; acute; sarcastic; biting. "An incisive, high voice." G. Eliot.
    And her incisive smile accrediting That treason of false witness in my blush. Mrs. Browning.
  2. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the incisors; incisor; as, the incisive bones, the premaxillaries.

Webster 1913