acute perception

USAGE SUMMARY

"acute perception" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone or something's ability to notice or understand details with great accuracy. For example: "The detective had an acute perception that allowed her to solve the case quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Díaz says he chose Gomez because of his acute perception of people's character.

The Guardian - Travel

The strong-arm hosts, with their usual acute perception of the outside world, take the expression for conviviality.

The New Yorker

These stories are indeed classical, powerful, with the intellect confining itself to memorable description and acute perception.

The Guardian - Books

As an older woman she was possessed of an acute perception of the undertones in people and was not afraid to respond to them head-on.

The New York Times

But, as he says, if he's specifically addressing a work of art, a photograph or a book, he has an acute perception of what he sees.

The Guardian - Books

Low powers of reasoning, however, are compatible, as we see with mankind, with strong affections, acute perception, and a taste for the beautiful.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

To appreciate "December," which offers the pleasures of beautifully composed scenes and, when it shifts to Isabelle's point of view, an exact rendering of a child's acute perceptions, the reader must accept that Isabelle has fallen under a sort of existential spell.

The New York Times - Books

It will take Guarnaccia's acute perceptions of the ethical distinctions among Sardinian bandits and upper-class Florentines alike to determine who among them has remained true to his code of honor and who has so "lost sight of his origins and traditions" that he will betray his own humanity.

The New York Times - Books

Although her Earthsea series A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), The Tombs of Atuan (1971), The Farthest Shore (1972), Tehanu (1990), Tales from Earthsea (2001), and The Other Wind (2001)—was written for children, Le Guin's skillful writing and acute perceptions attracted a large adult readership.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I was so amazed by the acute perceptions that a kid right in the middle of it had," she said.

Huffington Post

A systematic review was conducted using different combinations of the keywords physical load, acute, exercise, perception, cognition, perceptual, cognitive, sport, and athlete with the PubMed and SportDiscus databases.

Sports Medicine - Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute perception" to describe someone's ability to understand nuanced details or underlying meanings that others might miss. It's suitable for discussing character analysis, problem-solving skills, or artistic interpretation.

Common error

Don't use "acute perception" to describe basic sensory abilities like having good eyesight or hearing. The phrase is best reserved for describing higher-level cognitive skills related to understanding or insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute perception" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "perception". It describes a heightened or sharpened ability to understand or notice things, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute perception" describes a heightened ability to understand subtle details, frequently used in News & Media, books, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral contexts. When using this phrase, aim to convey a sophisticated understanding beyond simple observation. Alternatives such as "keen insight", "sharp awareness", and "astute observation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen insight

Emphasizes a deep understanding and intuitive grasp of complex situations.

sharp awareness

Focuses on a heightened state of attentiveness and sensitivity to one's surroundings.

astute observation

Highlights the ability to notice and interpret subtle details accurately.

discerning judgment

Implies the ability to make sound and well-informed decisions based on careful assessment.

perceptive understanding

Stresses a deep and insightful comprehension of people or situations.

penetrating intelligence

Suggests a powerful and insightful intellect that can uncover hidden truths.

sensitive appreciation

Highlights an ability to understand and value subtle qualities or nuances.

clear-sightedness

Emphasizes an ability to see things clearly and without distortion.

razor-sharp intellect

Highlights a very fast and acute mind.

precise discernment

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness in differentiating and judging subtle aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "acute perception" in a sentence?

You can use "acute perception" to describe someone's ability to understand nuanced details. For example: "The detective's acute perception helped solve the case."

What's a synonym for "acute perception"?

Alternatives include "keen insight", "sharp awareness", or "astute observation", depending on the context.

Is "acute perception" formal or informal?

"Acute perception" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication. It might be less common in very informal settings.

What is the difference between "acute perception" and "good observation skills"?

"Acute perception" implies a deeper understanding and interpretation of what is observed, while "good observation skills" simply refers to the ability to notice details. The former goes beyond noticing to understanding the significance of those details.