astute

[ uh-stoot, uh-styoot ]
See synonyms for astute on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. keenly perceptive or discerning; sagacious: an astute analysis.

  2. shrewd; cunning: an astute merchandising program;an astute manipulation of facts.

Origin of astute

1
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix

Other words for astute

Other words from astute

  • as·tute·ly, adverb
  • as·tute·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use astute in a sentence

  • Availing himself of his legal experience, he fought the case determinedly and astutely.

    King Robert the Bruce | A. F. Murison
  • She isnt so fond of it but shed leave it quick enough if the right one asked her, he said astutely.

    Wheat and Huckleberries | Charlotte Marion (White) Vaile
  • He struck the tone most likely to win him obedience, and that he had judged astutely her face showed him.

    The Trampling of the Lilies | Rafael Sabatini
  • Kingi, thus attacked, astutely made the disputed piece over to the King tribes, and forthwith became their protege.

    The Long White Cloud | William Pember Reeves
  • "Your collection is fine enough to attract the attention of chineurs," Remonencq answered astutely.

    Cousin Pons | Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for astute

astute

/ (əˈstjuːt) /


adjective
  1. having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd

Origin of astute

1
C17: from Latin astūtus cunning, from astus (n) cleverness

Derived forms of astute

  • astutely, adverb
  • astuteness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012