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

Derived Forms

• asˈtutely, adverb
• asˈtuteness, noun

Other Words From

• as·tute·ly adverb
• as·tute·ness 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

His astute detente diplomacy with the Soviet Union, trying to make the world a safer place, gets high marks.

From The Daily Beast

Sunday's World Cup final has the most astute soccer experts and eager bookies setting their odds on who will win.

From The Daily Beast

This collection shows you just how complex and funny and astute she was from the start.

From The Daily Beast

Enter the Taj Group, with its astute understanding of the needs of the well-heeled and the well-traveled.

From The Daily Beast

In my teens, I could read smart, musically astute critics in many magazines and newspapers.

From The Daily Beast

The astute judge had no witnesses, so he both fooled his wife and pleased himself, for his will was worthless.

From Project Gutenberg

Both astute gentlemen viewed the situation, and their alarm subsided.

From Project Gutenberg

A pause, the slightest in the world,—but the keen eye of the astute lawyer noted it, and his tone grew in severity and assurance.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at that time they displayed that astute and patiently Machiavellian policy, which finally led to their triumph.

From Project Gutenberg

The letter was unsigned, but the handwriting that of my astute agent, Sander.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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