astute

/əˈstut/

/əˈstut/

Other forms: astutest; astuter

Someone who is astute is clever and has good judgment. The kid running around with a bucket stuck on his head? Not so astute.

Astute (from Latin) is a formal and flattering adjective for someone with a good head on their shoulders. It differs from its synonym shrewd in placing less emphasis on hardheadedness than on sensitivity: we talk about a shrewd bargainer but an astute interpretation. Other synonyms are perceptive (emphasizing insight) and discerning (emphasizing an ability to distinguish).

Definitions of astute

1. adjective

   marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
   “an astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease”

   synonyms: savvy, sharp, shrewd

   smart

   showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness