perspicuity

Noun

perspicuity (countable and uncountable, plural perspicuities)

1. Clarity, lucidity, especially in expression; the state or characteristic of being perspicuous.
   • […]whether through the first officer's want of perspicuity or my own stupidity, I was not a bit the wiser for the explanation.1880, [George] Bernard Shaw, chapter XVIII, in The Irrational Knot … Being the Second Novel of His Nonage, London: Archibald Constable & Co., published 1905, →OCLC, page 354
2. Perspicacity; insight.
   • “Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter IV, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., →OCLC, page 51
   • Thompson, a high school dropout, said with rare perspicuity that he doubted the FBI would hire him.1965 March 19, “The Stupid Spy”, in Time
3. (rare) Transparency; translucence.
   • It must have been on some such day of harsh sunlight, the incisive February brightness that gives perspicuity without warmth.1900, Edith Wharton, chapter 11, in The Touchstone