Word of the Day

: October 4, 2007

astute

adjective uh-STOOT

What It Means

1 : having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity

2 : crafty, wily

astute in Context

The candidate made a number of astute observations about both foreign and domestic policy during the debate.

Did You Know?

"Astute" is similar in meaning to "shrewd" and "sagacious," but there are subtle differences in connotation among them. All three suggest sharp thinking and sound judgment, but "shrewd" stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment ("a shrewd judge of character"), whereas "sagacious" implies wisdom and foresight combined with good judgment ("sagacious investors"). "Astute," which derives from the Latin noun "astus," meaning "craft," suggests cleverness, mental sharpness, and diplomatic skill ("an astute player of party politics").

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.