Acuteness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acuteness

[əˈkjuːtnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in intelligence

The quality of being keenly perceptive or sharp in understanding.

Synonyms

astuteness, keenness, perceptiveness, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acuteness	Acuteness is best used to describe intense situations, pains, or states of sensitivity. It can also describe critical situations that need immediate attention. The acuteness of his pain made it difficult for him to move. She felt an acuteness in her awareness of the dangers around her.
sharpness	Sharpness can describe both literal and figurative clarity. It often refers to the edge or clarity of objects, minds, or senses. Depending on context, it can have a negative connotation, implying harshness. The sharpness of the blade was unmatched. He responded with a sharpness in his tone that surprised everyone.
keenness	Keenness is often used to describe sharp or eager interest, enthusiasm, or perception. It can refer to both mental and emotional states. She has a keenness for solving complex puzzles. His keenness to learn new languages is impressive.
perceptiveness	Perceptiveness is most fitting when talking about someone's ability to understand things quickly and accurately. It highlights awareness and insight. Her perceptiveness allowed her to understand the underlying issues quickly. The teacher's perceptiveness helped them recognize the student's needs.
astuteness	Astuteness is suitable for situations where someone shows sharp judgment, cleverness, or skill in understanding and dealing with situations or people. Her astuteness in business negotiations is well-known. He demonstrated great astuteness by predicting the market trends.

Examples of usage

Her acuteness in detecting lies was unmatched.
The professor's acuteness in analyzing complex theories impressed his students.
The detective's acuteness in solving cases quickly made him famous.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in senses

The sharpness or sensitivity of a sense, especially hearing or vision.

Synonyms

keenness, sensitivity, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acuteness	Describes intense or severe conditions or sensations, often related to pain, illness, or situations requiring quick thinking. The acuteness of his pain made it difficult for him to concentrate. Her acuteness of perception allowed her to notice details others missed.
sharpness	Describes the quality of being clear and distinct, or capable of cutting or penetrating. Can be used figuratively to talk about intelligence or clarity of thought. The sharpness of the knife made it easy to cut through the vegetables. Her sharpness in debate often left her opponents at a loss for words.
sensitivity	Refers to the capacity to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or feelings. Can be used to describe emotional responsiveness or physical sensation. His sensitivity to criticism made him very cautious about his work. The sensor’s sensitivity to light is necessary for accurate readings.
keenness	Indicates eagerness, enthusiasm, or perceptiveness. Often used to describe a strong desire or interest as well as sharpness in perception or intellect. His keenness for learning new languages is impressive. She showed keenness in her observations during the experiment.

Examples of usage

The acuteness of her hearing allowed her to detect even the faintest of sounds.
His acuteness of vision enabled him to spot the predator from afar.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in pain or sensation

The severity or sharpness of pain or sensation.

Synonyms

intensity, keenness, severity, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
acuteness	Typically used to describe the degree of something precise, ranging from physical sensations to intellectual abilities. The acuteness of her hearing allowed her to notice even the faintest sounds. His acuteness in solving complex problems is remarkable.
severity	Typically implies something extreme or harsh, often used in a negative sense. The severity of the punishment shocked everyone. Doctors were concerned about the severity of his injuries.
intensity	Often used to describe something with a high degree of force, concentration, or feeling, particularly in emotions or light. The intensity of the storm frightened everyone. She spoke with great intensity about her passion for music.
sharpness	Can describe a physical quality (like a blade), a sensation (like pain), or mental acuity. The sharpness of the knife made it easy to cut through the vegetables. She admired the sharpness of his wit during debates.
keenness	Used to convey eagerness or enthusiasm, often related to mental sharpness or interest. His keenness to learn new languages impressed his teachers. There was a keenness in her voice that showed her excitement.

Examples of usage

The acuteness of the pain in her leg indicated a serious injury.
The acuteness of the cold wind against his skin made him shiver.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, acuteness can refer to someone’s ability to understand complex ideas quickly.
Sharpness of thought or perception is often linked to high intelligence or creative problem-solving skills.

Measurement

In mathematics, 'acute' can describe angles less than 90 degrees, showing a precise kind of sharpness.
Acuteness in a sound can refer to its high frequencies, like the whistle of a bird.

Pop Culture

In films, a character's acuteness is often highlighted by their quick wit or ability to solve mysteries quickly.
The term often appears in literature to describe a keen sense of observation or insight a protagonist might have.

Health

Acuteness can describe symptoms that arise suddenly and are severe, contrasting with chronic conditions that last for a long time.
In mental health, it often refers to the sharpness of someone's recall or awareness, which can fluctuate based on various factors.

Origin of 'acuteness'

Main points about word origin

The word 'acuteness' comes from the Latin word 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'pointed'.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, often relating to both physical sharpness and intellectual sharpness.

The word 'acuteness' originates from the Latin word 'acutus,' meaning sharp or pointed. Over time, it evolved to describe the quality of being keenly perceptive or sharp in various contexts. The term has been used in English literature and academic discourse to highlight the sharpness or sensitivity of perception or sensation. It embodies the idea of being quick-witted, perceptive, or sharp in understanding, making it a valuable trait in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,089, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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