an acute sensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an acute sensitivity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heightened awareness or responsiveness to certain stimuli, emotions, or situations. Example: "Her acute sensitivity to the emotions of others made her an excellent counselor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yet Assange has developed an acute sensitivity to his environment.

The New Yorker

Kauffmann had an acute sensitivity to the story behind the technique.

The New York Times - Books

"This president has an acute sensitivity to the economy," Mr. McKinnon said.

The New York Times

It's also profoundly conservative and driven by an acute sensitivity to issues of class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coral reefs have an acute sensitivity to temperature and experience coral bleaching when they are overexposed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

O'Nan has inherited from King an acute sensitivity to the vein of horror beneath even the most prosaic settings.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It also encourages the excesses of "political correctness"—that is, an overly acute sensitivity to offending people of other backgrounds, outlooks, and cultures.

Britannica

They could combine with Labour to inflict the first serious defeat for the government on an issue of acute sensitivity for the coalition's internal political balance.

The Guardian

Ties with Russia are a matter of acute sensitivity for Deutsche.

The Guardian

Sir John Stevens, commissioner of the Metropolitan police, is in a position of acute sensitivity.

The Guardian

The decision to delay the autumn statement, which has been on the cards for weeks, appears to be a matter of acute sensitivity in No 10.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in literature or film, use "an acute sensitivity" to reveal their deep understanding of subtle nuances in social interactions or emotional cues.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "an acute sensitivity" when a milder term like "awareness" or "understanding" is more appropriate. Overusing "acute" can diminish its impact and make the description sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an acute sensitivity" functions as a noun phrase, where "acute" modifies "sensitivity". The phrase describes a heightened or particularly sharp ability to perceive or respond to stimuli, whether emotional, sensory, or intellectual, Ludwig AI shows examples of its wide application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an acute sensitivity" is a commonly used phrase to describe a heightened or refined perception and responsiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in news, academic, and scientific writing. While it should be used to highlight a particularly sharp awareness, ensure it doesn't lead to overstatement, diminishing its impact. Consider related phrases like "a heightened awareness" or "a keen perceptiveness" to tailor your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate context, you can effectively use this phrase to convey depth and nuance in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heightened awareness

Replaces "sensitivity" with "awareness" and "acute" with "heightened", focusing on conscious perception.

a keen perceptiveness

Substitutes "sensitivity" with "perceptiveness" and "acute" with "keen", emphasizing insightful understanding.

a sharp awareness

Uses "sharp" instead of "acute" to highlight the clarity and focus of the awareness.

a refined sensibility

Replaces "sensitivity" with "sensibility" and "acute" with "refined", suggesting a cultivated and delicate awareness.

a profound understanding

Shifts the focus to comprehension and depth of understanding, rather than just sensitivity.

a remarkable insight

Emphasizes the ability to see into situations or people with exceptional clarity.

a notable responsiveness

Focuses on the capacity to react appropriately to stimuli or changes.

a marked susceptibility

Highlights vulnerability or proneness to being affected by something.

an enhanced perception

Emphasizes improved or intensified sensory awareness and interpretation.

a developed intuition

Focuses on the ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "an acute sensitivity" in a sentence?

You can use "an acute sensitivity" to describe someone's heightened awareness of or responsiveness to certain stimuli, emotions, or situations. For example, "The therapist displayed "an acute sensitivity" to her patient's non-verbal cues".

What are some alternatives to saying "an acute sensitivity"?

Alternatives to "an acute sensitivity" include "a heightened awareness", "a keen perceptiveness", or "a sharp awareness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an acute sensitivity" or "a high sensitivity"?

"An acute sensitivity" implies a more refined and discerning awareness than "a high sensitivity". "Acute" suggests a sharper, more intense perception, while "high" simply indicates a greater degree.

Can "an acute sensitivity" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "an acute sensitivity" can be used in a negative context, such as when describing someone who is easily offended or overwhelmed by sensory input. For example, someone might have "an acute sensitivity" to criticism or loud noises.