Acute
mediumPositive toneuh-KYOOT
adjective
Definition
Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; sharp or severe
Memory hook
An ACUTE angle is sharp and pointed - acute perception is similarly sharp and penetrating.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She had an acute awareness of social dynamics.”
“The patient experienced acute pain in his chest.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She had an ______ awareness of social dynamics.”
Show answer
acute
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Acute is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "keen" or "sharp" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "obtuse".
Related GRE Words
astute
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
keen
Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm; sharp or penetrating
discerning
Having or showing good judgment or understanding
profound
Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight
trenchant
incisive, sharply perceptive, and forceful in expression
apparent
Clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true but not necessarily so
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