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acumen
noun
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How did acumen evolve?
A keen mind and a sharp wit can pierce confusion as easily as a needle passes through cloth. Remember this analogy between a jabbing needle and piercing perception, and you will readily recall the history of acumen. The English word retains the spelling and figurative meaning of its direct Latin ancestor acūmen, which literally means "sharp point." That word comes in turn from the Latin acuere, a verb meaning "to sharpen" that is related to acus, the Latin word for "needle." Acuere puts the acu- (gesundheit!) in a number of English words, including acute, acuity, and acuminate. In its earliest English uses, acumen referred specifically to a sharpness of wit. In modern English, it conveys the sense that someone is perceptive enough to grasp a situation quickly and clever enough to deftly apply that insight.
Synonyms
discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.
discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).
discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.
perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).
penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.
insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.
acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.
Examples of acumen in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acumen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Acumen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acumen. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
acumen
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on acumen
Nglish: Translation of acumen for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of acumen for Arabic Speakers
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