astute
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “astute” mean?
adjective.having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
SAT Usage
This term is often found in contexts related to business, politics, or personal relationships, highlighting characters who navigate complex situations successfully. It emphasizes not just intelligence, but also a keen perception and strategic thinking, distinguishing it from similar words like "shrewd," which may carry a more negative connotation.
Common Confusions
Astute implies a clever and perceptive ability to navigate situations for advantage, while shrewd usually suggests a cunning or manipulative approach that may lack ethical considerations.
Do not choose astute if the context emphasizes naivety or ignorance rather than the ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example Sentences
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The astute investor recognized the opportunity before others.