Astutely
/əˈstuːtli/
adverbC1adverb form
Definition
Astutely describes how someone acts with sharp intelligence and good judgment. It means noticing important details quickly and using that knowledge wisely. People who act astutely can understand complex situations and make smart choices.
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⚡ See It in Action
Acting with sharp intelligence and good judgment
- •She astutely noticed the mistake in the report before anyone else.
- •The manager astutely handled the difficult situation with calm and skill.
- •Investors astutely chose stocks that increased in value quickly.
Understanding complex situations quickly and wisely
- •He astutely read the room and changed his speech to fit the audience.
- •The lawyer astutely argued the case, pointing out key facts clearly.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "astutely" like "cleverly" (A2 word), but with more careful thinking and good judgment, not just being smart
- ✓Picture a person watching a game and quickly seeing the best move to win, almost like they can read the future
- ✓It's the feeling when you solve a hard problem by noticing a small but important clue others missed
- ✓Sounds like "a-STEW-tly" → imagine someone stirring (stew) ideas carefully to find the best solution
- ✓Think of Sherlock Holmes, who notices tiny details and uses them to solve mysteries very astutely
- ✓NOT like "luckily" (good things happen by chance), astutely means using your mind actively and carefully
- ✓NOT like "quickly" (fast action), astutely means smart and careful thinking, not just speed
- ✓NOT like "carelessly" (without attention), astutely means paying close attention and understanding deeply
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Shrewdly: with sharp judgment and practical intelligence (Use when emphasizing practical, sometimes tough decisions)
- •Wisely: with good sense and judgment (Use when focusing on good decisions that avoid mistakes)
- •Intelligently: with good thinking and understanding (Use for general smart behavior without the judgment emphasis)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "astute" (adjective meaning sharp, smart) + "-ly" (suffix to make an adverb describing how something is done)
- •Etymology: From Latin "astutus," meaning clever or cunning, through French "astute"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe clever and wise behavior
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe smart and careful actions or thoughts, especially in business, law, or social situations
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can someone be astutely clever but still make mistakes? Why or why not?
•How does acting astutely help in everyday life, like in school or work?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She acted astutely because she ___ all the important details before making a decision.
2.When he spoke astutely, everyone ___ that he understood the problem well.
3.Astutely handling a situation means using ___ judgment, not just quick reactions.
4.Unlike acting quickly, acting astutely requires ___ thinking and careful attention.
5.The lawyer argued astutely, ___ the facts in a way that convinced the judge.
6.People who act astutely often notice things that others ___ or ignore.
7.Investors who choose stocks astutely usually ___ the market better than others.