VOOZH about

URL: https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/astute.1809439/

⇱ astute | WordReference Forums

Menu
Install the app
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.

astute

KYC

Senior Member
Mandarin
Hello, there:
I am wondering if the term "astute" has a ting of inherent negativity to native speakers' ears.
In general, when you say someone is astute, is it a compliment?
I am unsure about it.
Thanks for your clarification.
I am not aware of any negative meaning.

If someone states the obvious, like "Oranges are orange", someone may make a sarcastic statement such as, "Astute observation Sherlock". True, they are saying this in a mocking and sarcastic way but astute still does not have a negative meaning.
Thanks for your confirmation, daviesri!
Hello everyone

I am wondering about the same thing. In OD I found the meaning of "astute" like this:
astute (adj.) very clever and quick and seeing what to do in a particular situation,

Doesn't it mean the negativity? I'm not sure if I could use this word for the situation that I talked on-air with the DJ (for example) and they asked the question I didn't prepare so I didn't respond them quite well, and after the call on-air I thought about what they asked me again and found a few ways to respond them quite perfectly and I thought to myself why didn't I respond them like this?? So I say I'm not astute enough---

Is it correct to say? Or is there a better word for such a situation,or situations similar to this. Thank you

Nucleara
Doesn't it mean the negativity? I'm not sure if I could use this word for the situation that I talked on-air with the DJ (for example) and they asked the question I didn't prepare so I didn't respond them quite well, and after the call on-air I thought about what they asked me again and found a few ways to respond them quite perfectly and I thought to myself why didn't I respond them like this?? So I say I'm not astute enough---
In your situation, I think I'd just say something like "not quick-thinking enough". Being 'astute' does imply quickness of thought to a certain extent, but I think it's more about a deep understanding of a situation. An 'astute comment' is one which perfectly sums up a situation in all its nuances with just a few well-chosen words, or which strikes to the heart of the issue while other people don't seem to understand it properly.

It's not a very common word in English, but I've never heard it used with a negative sense. It's basically a synonym for 'intelligent' or 'shrewd'.
Exactly. "Ulysses was astute" is one of the first clichés you learn when studying the Odyssey.

GS
Thank you so much stormwreath,and Giorgio👁 Smile :)


It's not a very common word in English, but I've never heard it used with a negative sense. It's basically a synonym for 'intelligent' or 'shrewd'.

Well, but what about the part that says "...especially how to get an adventage" ?
Hullo, Nuc.

This is the definition of shrewd by the Longman's Dictionary of English Language and Culture: showing good practical judgment, especially of what is to one's own advantage.

Best.

GS
Well, but what about the part that says "...especially how to get an adventage" ?
That's not necessarily a bad thing! If someone is astute, or a shrewd negotiator, you'd certainly want them to be on your side in an argument and not the other side; but that doesn't make being shrewd automatically a negative quality. It doesn't imply selfishness or competitiveness to my ears.

For a counter-example, if you were upset about something but reluctant to talk about it, an astute person could quickly realise what was wrong and say the right things to make you feel better. In that situation, astuteness is a positive quality.
Hullo, Nuc.

This is the definition of shrewd by the Longman's Dictionary of English Language and Culture: showing good practical judgment, especially of what is to one's own advantage.

Best.

GS
Tahnk you GS👁 Smile :)


That's not necessarily a bad thing! If someone is astute, or a shrewd negotiator, you'd certainly want them to be on your side in an argument and not the other side; but that doesn't make being shrewd automatically a negative quality. It doesn't imply selfishness or competitiveness to my ears.

For a counter-example, if you were upset about something but reluctant to talk about it, an astute person could quickly realise what was wrong and say the right things to make you feel better. In that situation, astuteness is a positive quality.

Got it! That's a very good explanation. Thank you very much stormwreath! 👁 Smile :)
Back
Top Bottom