Astuteness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone’s ability to accurately assess situations and turn them to their advantage. It's often seen in business or political contexts.

• Her astuteness in negotiating the deal saved the company millions.
• His political astuteness helped him navigate through the complex negotiations.

Often used in scenarios that involve strategic thinking, it can carry a slight negative connotation suggesting cunning or craftiness.

• His shrewdness in the stock market brought him great wealth.
• She handled the negotiations with shrewdness and tact.

Describes someone’s ability to think quickly and clearly. Commonly used in general settings to highlight mental quickness.

• His sharpness during the debate made him a tough opponent.
• She immediately understood the problem, demonstrating her sharpness.

Commonly used in professional or business contexts to describe sharpness and good judgment in a specific domain, such as business or medicine.

• Her business acumen is unrivaled in the industry.
• The doctor’s medical acumen saved countless lives.

Used in both positive and sometimes playful contexts, often to describe someone who is quick-witted and inventive.

• Her cleverness in solving the puzzle impressed everyone.
• He showed great cleverness in coming up with an imaginative story.

Astuteness involves cleverness and the ability to understand situations quickly, often used in a context where sharpness and shrewdness are required for practical decision-making.

• Her astuteness in negotiating contracts saved the company a lot of money.
• The detective's astuteness helped solve the case swiftly.

Discernment is the ability to judge well, particularly in matters of morals or values. It is often used when referring to someone's capacity to make nuanced and wise decisions.

• His discernment in choosing employees has led to a very efficient team.
• The art critic's discernment is evident in her insightful reviews.

Sagacity involves profound wisdom and good judgment. It is often used in more formal contexts to describe a person’s deep understanding and foresight.

• The sagacity of the elder was respected by the whole village.
• His sagacity in business matters is unmatched.

Insight refers to the deep understanding of a situation or problem. Commonly used in contexts requiring profound understanding or the revelation of hidden truths.

• Her insights into the human psyche were impressive.
• The research offers new insights into the disease's progression.

Wisdom implies not just knowledge but the prudent application of knowledge and good judgment, often gained from experience. Used in contexts involving life lessons, decisions, and guidance.

• Her wisdom guided us through many difficult times.
• The philosopher's wisdom was shared through his writings.