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Acutely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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acutely

[ษ™หˆkjuหtli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a sharp or severe manner

Acutely is an adverb that describes something done in a sharp or severe manner. It can refer to physical sensations or emotional experiences that are intense and sharply felt.

Synonyms

intensely, keenly, sharply.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acutely

Often used to describe a strong, sudden feeling or awareness that is very clear and precise. This word carries a sense of being very aware or sensitive to something.

  • She felt acutely aware of her surroundings in the dark alley.
  • He acutely sensed the tension in the room.
keenly

Often used to describe an enthusiastic, eager, or sharp feeling. This word can also mean being very aware or perceptive about something.

  • She keenly observed the changing colors of the sunset.
  • He was keenly interested in the outcome of the game.
intensely

Used when describing a strong, deep, or extreme feeling or situation. This word is generally more emotional and powerful.

  • He stared at her intensely, as if trying to read her mind.
  • The sun shone intensely, making it hard to see.
sharply

Used to describe something that happens suddenly and with a lot of strength or intensity. It often has a slightly negative or abrupt connotation.

  • She turned around sharply, startled by the noise.
  • The temperature dropped sharply overnight.

Examples of usage

  • She felt acutely embarrassed by her mistake.
  • The pain in his back was acutely sharp.
  • The issue was acutely sensitive and required careful handling.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that is extremely serious or severe

Acutely can also mean in a way that is extremely serious or severe. It can refer to a situation or problem that is urgent, critical, or requiring immediate attention.

Synonyms

critically, severely, urgently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acutely

Used to describe something intense or severe in a precise and direct way, often related to feelings or conditions.

  • She felt the pain acutely in her knee after the fall
  • He is acutely aware of the challenges ahead
severely

Often used to describe harsh conditions, strict measures, or serious problems. It implies a significant degree of severity.

  • The storm severely damaged the village
  • He was severely punished for breaking the rules
urgently

Best for situations that require immediate action or attention. It highlights the necessity of prompt response.

  • She urgently needed medical care after the bite
  • The committee urgently called for a meeting to address the issue
critically

Appropriate for situations that demand immediate attention or where something is at a crucial point. Can also mean in a way that involves careful judgment.

  • The patient was critically injured in the accident
  • She critically analyzed the new business proposal

Examples of usage

  • The country is acutely aware of the need for political reform.
  • The shortage of food is acutely felt in the region.
  • The consequences of climate change are acutely evident.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Acutely aware individuals can notice subtle details in their environment, impacting their emotional responses.
  • Strong emotional states, like anxiety, can make people feel acutely aware of their surroundings, leading to heightened senses.
  • Researchers find that acute stress can enhance cognitive performance temporarily, helping individuals react faster.

Medicine

  • In medical contexts, 'acute' refers to conditions that have a sudden onset, like acute pain or acute illness.
  • Acutely ill patients require immediate medical attention, contrasting with chronic conditions that develop over time.
  • Healthcare providers often assess symptoms acutely to determine the urgency of treatment needed.

Literature

  • Writers use 'acutely' to create vivid imagery, helping readers feel the intensity of charactersโ€™ emotions.
  • In poetry, acute observations can evoke strong feelings and enhance the overall theme, making words resonate deeper.
  • Classic literature often portrays characters who experience acute dilemmas, heightening tension and engagement.

Pop Culture

  • Acutely funny films and shows often include sharp wit and clever jokes that resonate with audiences.
  • Musicians may describe lyrics or melodies as acutely emotional, capturing the listenersโ€™ hearts with intensity.
  • Reality TV can create acutely dramatic moments, as contestants face intense challenges and high-stakes decisions.

Origin of 'acutely'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Latin 'acutus,' meaning 'sharp' or 'pointed,' tying it to qualities of intensity.
  • It evolved into the English language during the late Middle Ages, keeping its original sense of sharpness.
  • In linguistics, it often refers to elements that are distinct or pronounced, such as 'acute accents' in spelling.

The word 'acutely' originated from the Middle English word 'acuteliche', which is derived from the Old French 'aigu' meaning 'sharp'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something done in a sharp or severe manner.

See also: acuteness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,838, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.