# astute

/əˈstut/ (US) · /ɐstjˈuːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/astute
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

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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.