Astute is a word that often comes up in conversations, books, and articles. It is a word that is used to describe someone who is clever, shrewd, and insightful. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of astute, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how it is used in sentences.
Definitions
Astute is an adjective that describes someone who is clever, intelligent, and perceptive. It is used to describe someone who has a keen understanding of situations, people, and events, and can use that understanding to make wise decisions. Astute people are often able to anticipate problems and find solutions before they become major issues.
Origin
The word astute comes from the Latin word astutus, which means “crafty” or “clever.” The word was first recorded in English in the early 17th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, astute means “having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines astute as “having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage.”
Associations
Astute is often associated with intelligence, cleverness, and wisdom. It is also associated with qualities such as insightfulness, perceptiveness, and acumen.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of astute include: clever, shrewd, insightful, perceptive, sharp, sagacious, wise, intelligent, and discerning.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of astute include: foolish, ignorant, naive, obtuse, and unintelligent.
The same root words
The root word of astute is astutus, which is a Latin word that means “crafty” or “clever.” Other words that have the same root include astuteness, astucious, and astucity.
Example Sentences
- The astute businessman was able to predict the market trends and made a lot of money.
- She was astute enough to realize that her colleague was lying to her.
- The astute detective was able to solve the case in record time.
- His astute observations about human nature made him a popular author.
- The astute politician was able to navigate the complex political landscape and win the election.