Acuity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acuity

[ษ™หˆkjuหษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mental ability

Acuity refers to the sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. It is the ability to see, hear or understand things clearly and quickly.

Synonyms

acumen, cleverness, keenness, sharpness.

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Word Description / Examples
acuity

Used to describe sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. Often used in medical or intellectual contexts.

  • Her mental acuity allowed her to solve complex puzzles quickly
  • The doctor tested his visual acuity
sharpness

Describes the quality of being sharp in terms of intellect, wit, or sensory perception. Can also imply a sometimes unfriendly or harsh clarity.

  • The sharpness of his analysis was impressive
  • Her sharpness of tone made it clear she was annoyed
keenness

Highlights eagerness or enthusiasm as well as sharpness of perception or mind. Can be applied in various contexts, from personal interests to intellectual abilities.

  • Her keenness to learn made her an excellent student
  • His keenness of insight helped solve the mystery
acumen

Refers to the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, particularly in a specific domain such as business or politics.

  • Her business acumen enabled the company to expand rapidly
  • He is known for his political acumen
cleverness

Describes the quality of being intelligent or skillful in an attractive and witty way. Often used in casual conversations or when appreciating someone's ingenuity.

  • His cleverness with words always impressed her
  • The cleverness of the solution surprised everyone

Examples of usage

  • His mental acuity allowed him to solve complex problems with ease.
  • She had such great visual acuity that she could spot details others overlooked.
  • The acuity of his hearing enabled him to detect even the faintest sounds.
  • The professor's acuity in understanding complex theories was unmatched.
  • Her acuity in recognizing patterns made her an excellent problem-solver.

Translations

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Origin of 'acuity'

The word 'acuity' originated from the Latin word 'acuitas', which means sharpness. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the sharpness of senses or mental abilities. The concept of acuity has been studied in various fields such as psychology, ophthalmology, and auditory science to understand the extent of sharpness in different aspects of human perception.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,662, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.