adj.
Penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression: an incisive mind; incisive comments.
incisively in·ci'sive·ly adv.
incisiveness in·ci'sive·ness n.
SYNONYMS incisive, trenchant, biting, cutting, crisp. These adjectives refer to keenness and forcefulness of thought, expression, or intellect. Incisive and trenchant suggest penetration to the heart of a subject and clear, sharp, and vigorous expression: an incisive report; trenchant wit. Biting and cutting often have a sarcastic or sardonic quality capable of wounding or stinging: "Biting remarks revealed her attitude of contempt" (D.H. Lawrence). "He can say the driest, most cutting things in the quietest of tones" (Charlotte Brontë). Crisp suggests clarity, conciseness, and briskness: a crisp retort.
