astute

Astute is an adjective used to describe someone who possesses shrewd, perceptive, and accurate judgment. An astute person tends to notice details that others miss, infer underlying causes, and arrive at sound conclusions quickly. The term is generally positive when referring to analytical or practical insight, though in some contexts it can imply a calculating or sly approach.

Etymology traces astute to Latin astutus, meaning clever or cunning, from astus, meaning craft or trickery. The word reached English through Old French and early forms in the medieval period, evolving to its current sense of astute as keenly aware and insightful.

Usage and nuance: astute is commonly applied to observers, analysts, readers, or investors who demonstrate quick and accurate understanding. It often pairs with nouns like observer, analyst, critique, or decision-making. The adverb form is astutely. Examples include: “She offered an astute critique of the proposal,” and “The investor made an astute judgment about market timing.” The term can carry a note of respect for practical intelligence, though it may also suggest a brisk, sometimes calculating, approach to situations.

See also: synonyms such as shrewd, canny, perceptive, sagacious; antonyms such as obtuse, naive, undiscerning. Related concepts include critical thinking and keen insight.