exceptionally astute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally astute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is very perceptive or insightful, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "Her exceptionally astute observations during the meeting helped us identify the key issues we needed to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There's nothing exceptionally astute or extraordinarily perceptive about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

A very quick word about Mantel, whom I remember – no surprise here – as an exceptionally astute reader and the keeper of more detailed and more illuminating notes than the rest of us put together (no offence, everyone else).

The Guardian - Books

But Miroff, whose analysis of this episode is exceptionally astute, reminds readers that "while the process that produced Eagleton seems incredible today, it was actually close to the norm for its era".

The New York Times - Books

Sherry Cooper, an economist at Bank of Montreal, whom we find exceptionally astute, is raising her forecast for third quarter growth to 3.8%, a swing of more than four percentage points from the – 1% of the second quarter.

Forbes

An exceptionally astute politician deeply involved with power issues in each state, Lincoln reached out to "War Democrats" (those who supported the North against the South), and managed his own re-election campaign in the 1864 presidential election.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

None of the potential candidates openly canvassed for the removal of Mr Hatoyama and Mr Ozawa, so it is hard to identify anyone in the party's leadership who looks exceptionally courageous or politically astute.

The Economist

Instead, the project used an astute research piece, along with workshops and networking, to achieve consensus between an exceptionally diverse group of stakeholders on the meaning of grassroots peace-building.

Unicef

Astute move?

The Guardian - Books

The strategy was astute.

The New Yorker

Very astute question.

The New York Times

Others considered it astute.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptionally astute" to describe someone whose insights are not only correct but also demonstrate a superior level of understanding and perception. It adds a touch of formality and admiration to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally astute" in casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday conversation or informal writing. Choose simpler alternatives like "very smart" or "really perceptive" for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally astute" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. It modifies a noun to describe it as having a notably high degree of perceptiveness and insight. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally astute" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone or something with remarkably sharp insight and understanding. While relatively infrequent in general usage, Ludwig confirms it is correct and suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. Related phrases include "remarkably perceptive" and "highly insightful". Use it judiciously to convey admiration for intellectual acumen, and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Ensure usage fits a formal tone for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally perceptive

Almost identical in meaning, but emphasizes the perception aspect.

remarkably perceptive

Emphasizes a high degree of perceptiveness.

highly insightful

Focuses on the depth and understanding provided.

unusually insightful

Stresses the rarity of the insight.

profoundly discerning

Suggests a deep and thorough understanding.

extraordinarily acute

Emphasizes sharpness and quickness of understanding.

keenly observant

Highlights the ability to notice and understand details.

outstandingly shrewd

Highlights cleverness and practicality.

notably perspicacious

A more formal and less common synonym for perceptive.

decidedly sharp-witted

Focuses on mental agility and cleverness.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally astute" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptionally astute" to describe someone or something that displays a very high degree of insight and understanding. For example, "Her exceptionally astute analysis of the situation helped the team avoid a potential crisis."

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally astute"?

Alternatives include "remarkably perceptive", "highly insightful", or "profoundly discerning". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "exceptionally astute" formal or informal?

"Exceptionally astute" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is more appropriate for academic, professional, or news-related contexts than for casual conversation.

What does it mean to be "astute"?

To be astute means to have or show an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. Adding "exceptionally" simply intensifies this quality.