astute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "astute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is perceptive or wise. For example, "The astute investor was able to quickly identify the best investment opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kabulwarnamyo seems to be an exemplar of a remote community asserting its determination to educate its young, despite the dictates of government, and of securing a future through astute, job-creating land management and cultural protection.

The Guardian

Justices Breyer and Sotomayor, in particular, used questions to give an astute and powerful defence of the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

The implicit homophobia underlying these messages sends an alarming signal to any astute observer that homosexuality is simply not normal and homosexuals do not have any place with children.

The Guardian

British winner The Phone Call is a maudlin, actorly exercise that does at least showcase typically astute, empathic emoting by Sally Hawkins.

The Guardian - Film

One of the chancellor's political gifts is the self-knowledge to identify gaps in his own experience and to plug them with astute appointments.

The Guardian - Opinion

But amid all the joshing, it must be remembered that Souness, who began his managerial career by transforming Scottish football with bold and astute signings for Rangers, also made some shrewd acquisitions while at Anfield.

The Guardian - Sport

"El Señor [El Mayo] is looking weak, but he is very astute and we are hoping that he has an ace up his sleeve".

The Guardian

As he has shown by rising through the ranks of the church Bergoglio is an extremely astute politician, who uses the sparseness of words and space to press home his considerable influence on government and legislature.

The Guardian

What has really happened, as the astute shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, later pointed out, is that the Conservative party has moved away from the centre ground and is proposing an extremely rightwing agenda if it wins in May.

The Guardian

He is astute to play on fears, now held by even some staunch Tory voters, that the Tories have "low aspirations for ordinary Britons, but high hopes for those at the top".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are quite convinced that if he were alive today, as an astute businessman looking out to the future, he would be moving out of fossil fuels and investing in clean, renewable energy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to make insightful observations or decisions, use "astute" to convey a sense of intelligence and understanding. It's particularly effective when highlighting their ability to see beyond the obvious.

Common error

While "astute" is a strong descriptor, avoid using it in very casual or informal settings where a simpler word like "smart" or "clever" might be more appropriate. "Astute" carries a more formal and sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "astute" modifies nouns, describing a quality of keen intelligence and discernment. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts where individuals demonstrate sharp understanding and insightful judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "astute" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone exhibiting keen intelligence and discernment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and highly usable, fitting seamlessly into formal and professional contexts. With a high source quality score, its presence in publications like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its authority and reliability. Remember to use "astute" to highlight insightful observations and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd

Emphasizes practical intelligence and cleverness in dealing with situations.

perceptive

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

perspicacious

Highlights the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

insightful

Highlights the depth of understanding and ability to see beyond the surface.

sharp-witted

Stresses the quickness and keenness of the mind.

canny

Suggests shrewdness and good judgment, especially in business or politics.

clever

A general term for quick intelligence and resourcefulness.

discerning

Focuses on the ability to judge well and discriminate between options.

sagacious

Implies wisdom and sound judgment.

wise

Implies deep understanding and good judgment, often based on experience.

FAQs

How can I use "astute" in a sentence?

You can use "astute" to describe someone who is quick to understand situations and has good judgment. For example, "She made an "astute" observation about the company's financial situation".

What's the difference between "astute" and "clever"?

"Astute" implies a deeper understanding and practical wisdom, while "clever" often refers to quick-wittedness or ingenuity. An "astute" person is not only clever but also shows good judgment.

What can I say instead of "astute"?

You can use alternatives like "shrewd", "perceptive", or "insightful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "astute" in formal writing?

Yes, "astute" is well-suited for formal writing as it conveys intelligence and good judgment in a professional and sophisticated manner. It can enhance the credibility of your analysis or description.