Acumen: meaning, definitions and examples
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acumen
[ əˈkjuːmən ]
business intelligence
The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain or field.
Synonyms
astuteness, insight, shrewdness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acumen |
Often used to describe sharpness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation, especially in business or politics.
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| insight |
Used when referring to deep understanding or clear perception of a situation or problem, often with an element of intuition or profound knowledge.
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| shrewdness |
This term frequently implies cleverness, sharp judgment, and often a degree of cunning. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.
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| astuteness |
This word is typically used when referring to the ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
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Examples of usage
- Her acumen in the stock market allowed her to make profitable investments.
- His business acumen helped him to identify new opportunities for growth.
intelligence
Keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters.
Synonyms
discernment, judgment, perceptiveness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acumen |
Use 'acumen' to describe someone who is exceptionally good at making decisions or thinking clearly in a specific area, such as business or politics.
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| perceptiveness |
Use 'perceptiveness' to describe the quality of having or showing keen insight or understanding, often about people or situations.
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| discernment |
Use 'discernment' to describe the ability to judge well or make fine distinctions, often in a more general sense. It can be used to emphasize wisdom or insight.
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| judgment |
Use 'judgment' to refer to the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. This term is broad and can apply to many situations.
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Examples of usage
- His financial acumen helped him to navigate through the complex world of investments.
- The CEO's acumen in strategic planning led the company to great success.
Translations
Translations of the word "acumen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perspicácia
🇮🇳 कुशाग्रता
🇩🇪 Scharfsinn
🇮🇩 kecerdasan
🇺🇦 кмітливість
🇵🇱 bystrość
🇯🇵 洞察力 (dōsatsuryoku)
🇫🇷 perspicacité
🇪🇸 perspicacia
🇹🇷 kavrama yeteneği
🇰🇷 통찰력 (tongchallyeok)
🇸🇦 فطنة
🇨🇿 prozíravost
🇸🇰 predvídavosť
🇨🇳 敏锐 (mǐnruì)
🇸🇮 pronicljivost
🇮🇸 skynnsemi
🇰🇿 қырағылық
🇬🇪 შემეცნებითი უნარი
🇦🇿 zəka
🇲🇽 perspicacia
Etymology
The word 'acumen' comes from the Latin word 'acuere', which means 'to sharpen' or 'to stimulate'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'acumen' has evolved to represent a sharpness of mind or the ability to make quick and accurate decisions. The term is often used in business contexts to describe someone's keen insight and intelligence.