astute

[uh-stoot, uh-styoot]

adjective

1. keenly perceptive or discerning; sagacious.

   an astute analysis.

   Synonyms: perceptive, quick, smart

2. shrewd; cunning.

   an astute merchandising program;

   an astute manipulation of facts.

   Synonyms: sly, wily, crafty, artful

astute

/ əˈstjuːt /

adjective

1. having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd

Other Word Forms

• astutely adverb
• astuteness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astute¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of astute¹

C17: from Latin astūtus cunning, from astus (n) cleverness

Example Sentences

Rambunctious and astute, the toddler heroine of the sublimely beautiful animated film “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” first communicates in voiceover from the void of nothingness before birth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"These guys were extremely astute geologists. They knew how to find the best raw materials and these stone tools are exceptional. Basically, we can cut our fingers with some of them."

Read more on BBC

Unflustered and astute, she held the team together with smart, timely decisions.

Read more on BBC

In a time when contentious terminology pervades public discourse, the astute chronicling and monitoring of language is essential.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many of her insights are astute, though occasionally tinged with rancor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adroit 
• canny 
• crafty 
• discerning 
• insightful 
• intelligent 
• keen 
• shrewd