acutely
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.
“She is acutely aware of the problem.”
“The hospital staff was acutely aware that they were running low on critical supplies during the storm.”
“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.”
Typically precedes the adjective it modifies; frequently collocates with 'aware', 'conscious', 'sensitive', or 'painful'.
Learners often use the adjective 'acute' where the adverb 'acutely' is required to modify the verb or the entire experience.
“The problem shows up most acutely in large public spaces such as university campuses or city parks, where budgets are thin.”
“Wry, hilarious and acutely observed, this 12+ debut boasts a unique and special voice.”
Common in culture writing
From acute + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.