Astute: meaning, definitions and examples

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astute

[əˈstjuːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

intelligence

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

Synonyms

clever, perceptive, sharp, shrewd.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
astute	This term is often used to describe someone who is very good at understanding situations and making good decisions, especially in a business or political context. She made an astute observation about the company's finances. His astute leadership helped the team achieve their goals.
shrewd	Typically used to describe someone who is clever and has good judgement, especially in practical matters or when making decisions that benefit them, often implying an element of cunning. He is a shrewd businessman who always makes profitable deals. Her shrewd tactics earned her a quick promotion.
sharp	Commonly used to describe someone who is quick-witted and intelligent, often with an ability to notice and respond to things quickly. It can sometimes have a slightly aggressive or critical connotation. She has a very sharp mind. His sharp retort shut down the argument.
clever	Often used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas. She came up with a clever solution to the problem. He's incredibly clever and always has the best suggestions.
perceptive	Describes someone who is very good at noticing and understanding things, often beyond what is obvious, useful in social contexts or when describing someone’s ability to understand people's emotions. Her perceptive comments always hit the mark. He’s very perceptive about his friends' feelings.

Examples of usage

He was an astute businessman who always made the right decisions.
Her astute observations helped the team avoid making a costly mistake.
The astute detective quickly solved the case by noticing small details others had missed.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

observation

Clever or cunning; ingenious; shrewd.

Synonyms

discerning, insightful, keen, wise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
astute	Used to describe someone who is clever and able to understand situations or people quickly and well, often for personal advantage. She made an astute business decision that earned her company millions
keen	This term is often used to describe a sharp intellect or ability to notice and understand things quickly. It can also describe strong interest or enthusiasm. His keen observation skills allowed him to identify the flaw in the experiment
discerning	Used to describe someone who shows good judgment and understanding, especially in recognizing fine distinctions or subtle qualities. He has a discerning eye for art and always selects the best pieces for his collection
insightful	Appropriate for describing someone who has a deep understanding of a complex situation or topic. Her insightful comments during the meeting helped the team find a new approach to the problem
wise	Used to describe someone who has gained knowledge, experience, and good judgment, often over a long period. The elderly woman gave wise advice to the young couple about marriage

Examples of usage

His astute observations on human behavior made him a sought-after consultant.
She is known for her astute analysis of complex issues.
The politician's astute remarks won her many supporters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'astutus,' meaning 'shrewd' or 'cunning.'
In English, it gained popularity in the early 19th century, reflecting an appreciation for keen insight.
Related terms include 'astuteness' (the quality of being astute) and 'asuteness', an older form with similar meaning.

Psychology

Astuteness often correlates with high emotional intelligence, helping people navigate social situations smoothly.
Research suggests that being astute can improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex environments.
Cognitive flexibility, a trait linked to astuteness, allows individuals to adapt their thinking to new information or changing contexts.

Literature

Characters known for their astuteness often appear in detective novels, demonstrating sharp observational skills to solve mysteries.
Astute characters in literature often act as advisors or mentors, showcasing sagacity and wisdom that guide others.
Famous literary figures, such as Sherlock Holmes, are celebrated for their astute ability to connect the dots that others overlook.

Pop Culture

In films, characters who are astute often play key roles in strategic planning, like spies or negotiators.
Reality TV shows frequently spotlight astute contestants who excel in challenges through keen observation and insight.
Astute entrepreneurs are often featured in success stories, illustrating how clever decision-making leads to business growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "astute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 astuto

🇮🇳 चतुर

🇩🇪 scharfsinnig

🇮🇩 cerdas

🇺🇦 кмітливий

🇵🇱 bystry

🇯🇵 鋭い

🇫🇷 astucieux

🇪🇸 astuto

🇹🇷 zeki

🇰🇷 예리한

🇸🇦 ذكي

🇨🇿 bystrý

🇸🇰 bystrý

🇨🇳 机敏的

🇸🇮 bister

🇮🇸 skarpur

🇰🇿 зерек

🇬🇪 გონიერი

🇦🇿 zəkalı

🇲🇽 astuto

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,959, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15956 nursed
15957 paucity
15958 keyed
15959 astute
15960 attributing
15961 translocation
15962 complemented
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