acuity

[ uh-kyoo-i-tee ]

noun

1. sharpness; acuteness; keenness:

   acuity of vision;

   acuity of mind.

acuity

/ əˈkjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. keenness or acuteness, esp in vision or thought
2. the capacity of the eye to see fine detail, measured by determining the finest detail that can just be detected

Other Words From

• hyper·a·cui·ty noun
• nona·cui·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acuity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English acuite, from Old French, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin acuitās, equivalent to Latin acu(ere) to sharpen or acū ( tus ) sharpened ( acute ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of acuity¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin acūtus acute

Example Sentences

Harris, riding a wave of enthusiasm from Democrats who had grown concerned about Biden’s age and mental acuity, initially surged in the polls.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden’s debate offered a stark window into the fading acuity of a sitting president.

From Los Angeles Times

He exited the presidential race after appearing so befuddled in a July debate against Trump that many in the country began to question his mental acuity and his ability to lead.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s recent comments and his decision to just listen to music at a rally provided the starkest picture yet of his waning mental acuity.

From Los Angeles Times

Her argument is partly that the 78-year-old Trump has lost mental acuity on account of his advanced age, as was the chief line of attack that pushed President Biden from the race.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• awareness
• brilliance
• guile
• ingenuity
• insight
• intellect
• intelligence
• intuition
• judgment
• sensitivity
• shrewdness
• vision
• wisdom
• wit