Word
acutely
Phoneticsacute·ly
US/əkˈjutɫi/
UK/ɐkjˈuːtli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Typically precedes the adjective it modifies; frequently collocates with 'aware', 'conscious', 'sensitive', or 'painful'.
Pitfall
He felt acute the pain
He felt the pain acutely
Learners often use the adjective 'acute' where the adverb 'acutely' is required to modify the verb or the entire experience.
Real-World Examples
“It turns out that people are acutely aware of who’s watching them vote.” “As they search the seafloor for new discoveries, scientists are acutely aware that the life there might change—or even disappear—before it is fully understood.” “It added that the minister is "acutely aware of the issues faced by those living in rural areas and he takes those issues very seriously".” “Some 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished, including 500,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the most life-threatening form of the condition.” Etymology
From acute + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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