astute
Having sharp judgment and perception
Examples
In a meeting
“That was an astute observation about our competitor's strategy.”
Over coffee
“She's astute enough to see through his excuses.”
Why this word
smart
Astute specifically indicates shrewd practical judgment and insight, while smart is general intelligence
clever
Astute emphasizes perceptiveness in understanding situations, while clever focuses on mental quickness or ingenuity
perceptive
Astute combines perception with practical judgment and shrewdness, while perceptive only means good at noticing and understanding
Usage tip
Use to compliment someone's intelligence or insight, especially in practical matters. Implies shrewdness and good judgment.
Etymology
Latin: astutus (crafty, shrewd) — from astus (craft)
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Related words
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
discernible
Able to be perceived or recognized
discerning
Showing keen insight and good judgment in understanding
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.