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
Etymology
Origin of acutely
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."
Vocabulary lists containing acutely
They Called Us Enemy
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Kwame Crashes the Underworld
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Where Only Storms Grow
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
We can easily patronize older people, and my mom, for one, is acutely aware of that.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026
As a wasp biologist, I’ve noticed it acutely, because my students need wasps for their experiments, and we simply can’t find them.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 11, 2026
The previous year's flood had made staff at the Rasuwagadhi immigration office acutely aware of the danger.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
But the effects will be felt particularly acutely in those industries, at a time when Americans already feel negatively about the state of the U.S. economy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
Both women were acutely aware that this could be their last good-bye.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
