acutely
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
having an extremely great or serious effect; critically.
The Iberian lynx is considered the most acutely endangered species of wildcat.
-
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.
-
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.
-
in a way that is sensitive to even slight details or impressions.
The orchestra matched the inspirational conductor beautifully, interacting and responding acutely.
Other Word Forms
- hyperacutely adverb
- nonacutely adverb
- overacutely adverb
- superacutely adverb
Etymology
Origin of acutely
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.
By the time the 14th Amendment was drafted, in 1866, every member of Congress would have been acutely aware of Brown’s trial, which had been held only seven years earlier.
From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026
The impact of the war is being felt more acutely in other markets.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026
The tourism sector is acutely susceptible to security issues, but "different tourists from different parts of the world have different risk tolerances," Bohl said.
From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026
But since his stake in Brewdog netted him tens of millions of pounds, it is likely that others will be hurting more acutely in the aftermath of this week's events.
From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026
My life was falling to pieces and I was acutely aware of it.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
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.
