astute

[uh-stoot, uh-styoot]

adjective

1. keenly perceptive or discerning; sagacious.

   an astute analysis.

   Synonyms: perceptive, quick, smart

2. shrewd; cunning.

   an astute merchandising program;

   an astute manipulation of facts.

   Synonyms: sly, wily, crafty, artful

astute

/ əˈstjuːt /

adjective

1. having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd

Other Word Forms

• astutely adverb
• astuteness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astute¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of astute¹

C17: from Latin astūtus cunning, from astus (n) cleverness

Example Sentences

However, he warned that "risk managers remain highly astute to the landmines that could still derail the improving risk backdrop through December".

Read more on Barron's

The pair pick out four key elements of Cayer's philosophy: instilling discipline, "black and white" communication, settling them mentally in new situations and providing astute video analysis to be relayed through their coaches.

Read more on BBC

Changes from the bench were astute and successful.

Read more on BBC

Mr. Richardson’s explication of these sui generis novels is astute and highly welcome.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Rambunctious and astute, the toddler heroine of the sublimely beautiful animated film “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” first communicates in voiceover from the void of nothingness before birth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adroit 
• canny 
• crafty 
• discerning 
• insightful 
• intelligent 
• keen 
• shrewd