adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of astute
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix
Explanation
Someone who is astute is clever and has good judgment. The kid running around with a bucket stuck on his head? Not so astute. Astute (from Latin) is a formal and flattering adjective for someone with a good head on their shoulders. It differs from its synonym shrewd in placing less emphasis on hardheadedness than on sensitivity: we talk about a shrewd bargainer but an astute interpretation. Other synonyms are perceptive (emphasizing insight) and discerning (emphasizing an ability to distinguish).
Vocabulary lists containing astute
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2
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Hamilton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You are astute at reading the room and consider blending in dress codewise as important to showing you know how to navigate the power structures at work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
The book offers something many others can’t, which is scholarly analysis alongside the astute observations of a practitioner who has lived and worked with the people he’s discussing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel proved again why he is known to be so tactically astute and a master in knockout football as England reached the last 16 of the World Cup.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
Who knows: Maybe years from now, she’ll even make a touching, emotionally astute movie about it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026
Tombaugh had no formal training as an astronomer, but he was diligent and he was astute, and after a year’s patient searching he somehow spotted Pluto, a faint point of light in a glittery firmament.
From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
