Word
astute
Phoneticsas·tute, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈstut/
UK/ɐstjˈuːt/
Definition
adj. quick to notice things and very good at making smart decisions. You use this to describe someone who understands a situation well and uses it to their advantage.
adj. having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. Often used to describe mental sharpness in business, politics, or social navigation.
Examples
“She made an astute observation about the market trends.”
“An astute negotiator, he noticed the slight hesitation in the buyer's voice and refused to lower the price.”
“The CEO's astute management during the financial crisis not only saved the company from bankruptcy but also allowed it to acquire several smaller competitors at a significant discount.”
Examples
simple
“She made an astute observation about the market trends.”
contextual
“An astute negotiator, he noticed the slight hesitation in the buyer's voice and refused to lower the price.”
complex
“The CEO's astute management during the financial crisis not only saved the company from bankruptcy but also allowed it to acquire several smaller competitors at a significant discount.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“I take breaks, and I’m not always out at events and things.”
It’s an astute observation, and one that cuts to the heart of Smith’s unconventional relationship with celebrity.” “There is also mention of nurses raising concerns much earlier than any were acted upon, and any astute viewer will surely have more questions than are answered.” Etymology
From Latin astūtus, from astus (“craft”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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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