adjective
astute
uhs-TYOOT
adjective
1
Quick to notice things and judge situations accurately; sharp-witted.
"She made an astute observation about the company's finances."
"An astute investor spotted the flaw in the pitch immediately."
2
Shrewd or cunning, especially in getting what you want.
"It was an astute move to negotiate before signing anything."
How to Use Astute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSharp, perceptive, and quick to work out what's really going on.
Common mistake
Astute is a compliment for sharpness of judgment, not just being smart in general — it implies noticing something others missed.
Common pairings
an astute observation
an astute businessman
astute enough to
Word Forms
astuter comparative, astutest superlative
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She made an _____ observation about the company's finances.
Etymology
From Latin astutus ("crafty"), from astus ("craft, skill").