# acuity

/əkˈjuəti/ (US) · /ɐkjˈuːɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acuity
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

the ability to see, hear, or think very clearly and precisely. It describes how sharp or accurate your senses or mind are.

For teachers: the quality of being sharp or keen, especially in the senses of sight or hearing, or in the ability to think and judge clearly. Often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe sensory or cognitive sharpness.

## Examples

- The doctor tested her visual acuity to see if she needed glasses.
- The detective's sharp mental acuity allowed him to spot the tiny clue that everyone else had missed.
- While the artist's technical skill was undeniable, it was his emotional acuity that truly brought the portrait to life, capturing the subtle tension in the subject's gaze.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.