acutely

American  

[uh-kyoot-lee] / əˈkjut li /

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 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.

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.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperacutely
  adverb
• nonacutely
  adverb
• overacutely
  adverb
• superacutely
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of acutely

acute ( def. ) + -ly

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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."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acutely

I began noticing their absence most acutely when restaurants reopened after the first wave of the pandemic.

From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2026

"People living in this area will know that acutely," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

We can easily patronize older people, and my mom, for one, is acutely aware of that.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

Today, Iranian leaders are acutely aware of how unpopular the war is in the U.S., in part because it has led to an increase in gas prices at the pump.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

Her letters must have made William more acutely aware of all he was missing.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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Related Words

• keenly
• severely

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