adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of astute
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix
Explanation
Someone who is astute is clever and has good judgment. The kid running around with a bucket stuck on his head? Not so astute. Astute (from Latin) is a formal and flattering adjective for someone with a good head on their shoulders. It differs from its synonym shrewd in placing less emphasis on hardheadedness than on sensitivity: we talk about a shrewd bargainer but an astute interpretation. Other synonyms are perceptive (emphasizing insight) and discerning (emphasizing an ability to distinguish).
Vocabulary lists containing astute
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2
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Hamilton
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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.
Astute readers ages 3 to 6 will quickly observe that the book’s winsome cat is initially missing hers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026
Astute punchlines can be potent, taking on a life of their own, spreading faster and farther from their origin than nearly any official statement.
From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025
In the Astute series, HMS Agamemnon, was launched last October and another is under construction which will take the number of submarines in this class to seven.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2025
Astute readers realized that the editor was likely a machine.
From Scientific American • Sep. 28, 2023
Astute, powerful, dexterous, he was virtual ruler of the Kingdom until King Edward's death in 1066, when, in the absence of an heir, Godwin's son Harold was called to the empty throne.
From The Evolution of an Empire: A Brief Historical Sketch of England by Parmele, Mary Platt
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.
