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acuity

noun
acu·​i·​ty | \ ə-ˈkyü-ə-tē How to pronounce acuity (audio) , a-\
plural acuities

Definition of acuity

: keenness of perception hearing acuity mental acuity
Synonyms Do you have acuity or sensitivity? More Example Sentences Learn More about acuity

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Do you have acuity or sensitivity?

Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely-related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.

Examples of acuity in a Sentence

a worrisome deterioration in the acuity of his hearing over the years

Recent Examples on the Web

 While there has been the familiar acuity with free signings–Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot have come into the midfield from Arsenal and PSG, respectively–the failure to move on as many players as would have been preferred must be a concern. — Jonathan Wilson, SI.com, "As Serie A Challengers Strengthen, So Does Juventus," 23 Aug. 2019 And that’s not just because of the acuity of her technique, the seemingly endless variety of her sounds or her remarkable capacity to surprise, even after all these years. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Holiday weekend offers up a wealth of jazz and classical performances," 30 June 2019 To all his adventures and misadventures, Ashenden brings a cool, observational acuity. — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, "‘Ashenden’: the perfect late summer escape read, and a classic," 31 July 2019 Patients can expect a wide-range of services available for low acuity health issues, including on-site immunizations from mumps to chickenpox, travel vaccinations, and flu shots. — courant.com, "Community News For The Putnam-Killingly Edition," 22 July 2019 The comments quickly built up on the police’s Facebook post, praising young Seth for his business acuity. — Ashley Boucher, PEOPLE.com, "Boy, 11, Uses 'Ice Cold Beer' Sign to Sell Soda with 'Ingenious' Fine Print and Police Are Impressed," 17 July 2019 True, though Bennett’s singing shows virtually no concessions to the passage of time, some – maybe most – jazz and classical performers lose a degree of technical acuity through the years. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "As Tony Bennett approaches 93, let's hear it for the elders," 13 June 2019 This doesn’t literally mean someone with deep intellectual interests or genuine accomplishments — think the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan — but an impressive academic resume, a copy of the New Yorker on the nightstand, and marked verbal acuity. — Rich Lowry, National Review, "The Buttigieg Illusion," 28 June 2019 Humor also seems to stimulate memories and improve mental acuity in the elderly, especially among those with dementia. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Is laughter really the best medicine? In many ways, that’s no joke.," 15 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acuity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of acuity

circa 1549, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for acuity

Middle English acuite "sharpness, acridity," borrowed from Middle French acuité, borrowed from Medieval Latin acuitāt-, acuitās, from Latin acu-, stem of acuere "to sharpen" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at acute

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More Definitions for acuity

acuity

noun
How to pronounce acuity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of acuity

formal : the ability to see, hear, or understand something easily

See the full definition for acuity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

acuity

noun
acu·​ity | \ ə-ˈkyü-ət-ē How to pronounce acuity (audio) \
plural acuities

Medical Definition of acuity

: keenness of sense perception acuity of hearing — see visual acuity

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