acuteness

American  

[uh-kyoot-nis] / əˈkjut nɪs /

noun

1. sharpness or intensity.

   The incident illustrates with devastating acuteness how important it is to consider the needs of others when choosing our words.

2. the fact, quality, or degree of being serious or critical; severity.

   The acuteness of these social problems varies from country to country, but everywhere they are an offense against human dignity.

3. the quality of being sharp or penetrating in intellect or insight.

   I appreciated the courtesy of the committee's interrogation as well as the acuteness of their questions.

4. sensitivity even to slight details or impressions.

   The acuteness of my hearing while under nervous strain was extraordinary—I could hear a watch ticking three rooms away.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperacuteness
  noun
• nonacuteness
  noun
• overacuteness
  noun
• superacuteness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of acuteness

acute ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Acuteness in night vision is natural to most, if not to all, animals that prowl in the dark.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)

Acuteness in prejudging is the boast of the fool.

From Dilemmas of Pride, (Vol 1 of 3) by Loudon, Margracia

Acuteness of discernment is required to understand, delicacy to describe them.

From Life of Chopin by Cook, Martha Elizabeth Duncan Walker

I shall not waste time in commending the Writing of this Play: but I will give you my opinion, that there is more Wit and Acuteness of Fancy in it, than in any of BEN.

From An English Garner Critical Essays & Literary Fragments by Arber, Thomas Seccombe, Professor

At last, however, by Dint of Reflection, he got the better of his Distemper; and the Acuteness of the Pain he underwent, in some Measure, contributed towards his Consolation.

From Zadig Or, The Book of Fate by Voltaire