acutely

American  

[uh-kyoot-lee] / əˈkyut li /

adverb

1. having a sharp, severe, or intense effect.

   Reductions in the workforce will be felt most acutely by those in entry-level jobs.

   Compounds formed by reaction with the contaminant create the potential for formation of acutely toxic products.

2. having an extremely great or serious effect; critically.

   The Iberian lynx is considered the most acutely endangered species of wildcat.

3. happening briefly or severely; happening at a single point in time (opposed tochronically ).

   The report describes a patient presenting acutely with mental symptoms of confusion and hallucinations.

   We studied the effects of field-realistic doses of the herbicide on honeybees exposed either chronically or acutely.

4. in a way that is intellectually penetrating or insightful; perceptively.

   In this acutely focused exhibition, the artist delves deeply into a single object: her kitchen sink.

5. in a way that is sensitive to even slight details or impressions.

   The orchestra matched the inspirational conductor beautifully, interacting and responding acutely.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperacutely
  adverb
• nonacutely
  adverb
• overacutely
  adverb
• superacutely
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of acutely

acute ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Use the adverb acutely to mean sharply or intensely. If your teacher reads your poem in front of the entire class, you may feel proud — or you might be acutely embarrassed. In medicine, acutely is used to emphasize the seriousness of a condition or injury: "She is acutely allergic to antibiotics, so be sure to write that on her chart." Otherwise, you can use this adverb for anything that's especially vivid, like when you're acutely aware that everyone in the room is staring at your purple hat, or intensely unpleasant, like your little brother's acutely annoying whine. The Latin root, acutus, means "sharp or pointed."

Example Sentences

Acutely aware of that role are researchers, community leaders, and police across the country — including in Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 2, 2023

Acutely aware of his show’s reputation, Springer would usually end each chaotic episode with a sobering “Final Thought” and a reminder to viewers “take care of yourselves and each other.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2023

Acutely earnest and idealistic, he passionately believes that tech can bring about global peace and prosperity.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2021

Acutely observed bedroom pop about losing yourself on the path to someone else, served with a side of arena-emo triumph.

From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2020

Acutely aware of his own lack of education, C.P. enrolled in an adult high school equivalency class.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• keenly
• severely