Astute

/əˈstuːt/

adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.

/əˈstuːt/

adjectivepositiveIntermediate
General

Her astute observations helped solve the mystery.

💡 Simply: Very clever and good at understanding situations.

More Examples

2

The astute investor made a fortune in the stock market.

How It's Used

Business

"An astute businessman, he quickly recognized the potential of the market."

Politics

"The astute politician anticipated his opponent's every move."

From Latin *astutus, meaning "clever, shrewd," possibly related to *astus, meaning "craft, cunning."

The word has been used in English since the 16th century, maintaining a consistent meaning of shrewdness and cleverness.

Memory tip

Think 'a student' who is clever and insightful.

Base: astute
astutelyastut

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written