acutely

[ uh-kyoot-lee ]

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 to chronically ):

   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.

Other Words From

• hy·per·a·cute·ly adverb
• non·a·cute·ly adverb
• o·ver·a·cute·ly adverb
• su·per·a·cute·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acutely¹

acute ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Some people can become acutely ill without ever showing high viral loads, or only doing so briefly, said Miller, the North Carolina scientist.

From ProPublica

Each time they leave their homes to visit a store, they’ll be acutely aware of putting their personal health and safety at risk.

From Search Engine Land

Some of the pushiness came from publishers deemphasizing traditional, and now acutely challenged, advertising.

From Digiday

The blow to morale was felt most acutely in the Justice Department’s criminal division, which is typically a key player in prosecuting election-related offenses and setting department policy in that area, people familiar with the matter said.

From Washington Post

As a result, its residents are acutely aware of disease-fighting habits like hand-washing and mask wearing.

From Fortune

When the body of Johnson was exhumed, the medical examiner was acutely chagrined when six .22 caliber rounds were removed from it.

From The Daily Beast

In all, 38 samples were collected from 23 acutely infected patients.

From The Daily Beast

Obama appeared acutely aware of the magnitude of the situation, and the urgency with which immediate action is needed.

From The Daily Beast

He became acutely delusional and committed suicide after attacking his father.

From The Daily Beast

India is a fellow democracy, and, like Japan, feels acutely vulnerable to Chinese territorial and economic expansionism.

From The Daily Beast

He leaned against that same stone column, thinking, searching in his mind, feeling acutely.

From Project Gutenberg

The situation à trois thenceforward became, for Tom, an acutely afflicting one.

From Project Gutenberg

He remarked, very acutely, that Chaucer translates the F. bouton by the word knoppe; see ll.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor child felt this so acutely that she became ill, and had to keep her bed for several days.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, the certainty that his father felt the sorrow as acutely as himself, was one reason of his opening to him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• keenly
• severely