ENGLISH
REFERENCE

acutely

adv. degree
C1 Advanced US //əkˈjutɫi// UK //ɐkjˈuːtli// acute·ly

adv. to a very high degree or in a way that is very strong. You use this to describe feeling something deeply or being very aware of a situation.

adv. to a severe or intense degree; in a manner that is sharp or highly perceptive. Often modifies adjectives related to awareness, sensitivity, or negative physical states.


SIMPLE

She is acutely aware of the problem.

CONTEXTUAL

The hospital staff was acutely aware that they were running low on critical supplies during the storm.

COMPLEX

The protagonist becomes acutely sensitive to the subtle shifts in her environment, noticing even the slightest change in the wind or the distant sound of footsteps.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From acute + -ly.

Usage

Typically precedes the adjective it modifies; frequently collocates with 'aware', 'conscious', 'sensitive', or 'painful'.

Pitfall

He felt acute the painHe felt the pain acutelyLearners often use the adjective 'acute' where the adverb 'acutely' is required to modify the verb or the entire experience.

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