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acute
/əˈkjuːt/
sharp or severe
She felt an acute pain in her side.
The pain was sudden and intense.
general
sharp or severe in effect
The doctor diagnosed an acute infection.
The infection was sudden and severe.
Often used in medical contexts to describe conditions that develop quickly and are severe.
general
having or showing a quick or accurate understanding
She has an acute sense of humor.
She quickly and accurately understands and appreciates humor.
Can also describe keen perception or insight.
Collocations
acute painsudden and intense painacute awarenessa very sharp or perceptive understanding
Pro Tip
Medical vs. General Use
In medicine, 'acute' refers to sudden and severe conditions, while in general use, it can describe sharpness or intensity in any context.
Word Origin
From Latin 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'pointed'.
Usage Notes
In medical contexts, 'acute' describes conditions that are severe and of short duration, as opposed to 'chronic' conditions that are long-lasting.
Word Breakdown
acut-
sharp
root-e
adjective suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary