acuity
noun
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Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
What to Know But even as the public grows increasingly concerned over whether aging politicians have the mental acuity or fresh ideas needed to lead the country, many have held onto their seats.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Personalized Health Monitors Devices like smart watches, smart earphones and earbuds, and smart glasses will collect more valuable personal health data, including glucose levels, hearing and vision acuity, blood pressure, heart rate and much more.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Age was a hot topic in this most recent presidential election, especially after former President Joe Biden, 82, ended his reelection bid due to escalated concerns about his acuity.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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acuity
noun
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acuity
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