adjective
Other Word Forms
- astutely adverb
- astuteness noun
Etymology
Origin of astute
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin astūtus “shrewd, sly, cunning,” equivalent to astū- (stem of astus ) “cleverness” + -tus adjective suffix
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hollub was regarded as a talented petroleum engineer but she was less astute as a financial manager.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
To Grisham’s credit, she will probably go down in history as the smartest, most politically astute press secretary of either Trump administration.
From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026
United’s Scott Kirby is seen as a bold, straightforward leader, while Delta’s Ed Bastian is viewed as financially astute executive, reaping the benefits of a solid background in finance.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026
With Stones and Ake often injured and heading towards the latter part of their City careers, this appears an astute buy.
From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026
The Frenchman never spoke of his private life, except to slip in certain subtle hints that would enable an astute observer to recognize his splendid past, his incalculable fortune, and his noble origins.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
