acutely

American  

[uh-kyoot-lee] / əˈkjut 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

See Examples For:

acutely

Everyone wants to point out recession indicators, but in a time of economic turmoil, felt most acutely by young people earning less money, every dollar counts.

From Slate ● Aug. 14, 2026

Outside that genre, he enjoys a reputation for being an acutely psychological chronicler of contemporary anxieties, as in his award-winning 2008 drama of job loss and family secrets, “Tokyo Sonata.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

He says anxious people are often acutely tuned into relationships, spotting subtle shifts in mood, tone and behaviour that others miss, while avoidant people can be fiercely independent and perform well under pressure.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

In his first speech he was to acknowledge he feels "acutely conscious" of the need for a more stable brand of politics, as he becomes the sixth new prime minister in the last 10 years.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

There was a silence, during which I felt acutely the hopelessness of ever trying to get to the bottom of anything with Henry.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• keenly
• severely