Acute

Definition

Acute is an adjective used to describe something severe, intense, or sharp in effect. It can refer to conditions that are intense and often short-term, such as acute pain, or to a quality of sensitivity, such as acute hearing. In mathematics, it describes an angle that is less than 90 degrees.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈkjuːt/
• Respelling: uh-KYOOT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈkjuːt/
• Respelling: uh-KYOOT

The pronunciation of "acute" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "acute" originates from the Latin word "acutus," meaning "sharp" or "pointed." It entered Middle English in the 14th century with meanings related to sharpness and keenness.

Derivatives

• Acuteness (noun)
• Acute angle (noun)
• Acutely (adverb)
• Subacute (adjective)
• Hyperacute (adjective)

Synonyms

• Intense
• Severe
• Sharp

Antonyms

• Chronic
• Dull
• Mild

Usage

The term "acute" is used across various contexts, including medicine, mathematics, and everyday language. In medicine, it refers to conditions with a sudden onset or severe symptoms, such as "acute illness." In mathematics, it describes an angle measuring less than 90 degrees, as in an "acute triangle." More generally, "acute" is used to describe something intense or sharp, such as an "acute sense of smell" or "acute awareness."

Related Terms

• Severity: The quality of being intense or extreme.
• Chronic: Long-lasting and persistent, often used as an opposite to acute.
• Intensity: The quality of being intense, forceful, or strong.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Characterized by sudden or severe effect: Often used in medical contexts to describe conditions that are intense and short-term.
  • Example: "She was admitted to the hospital with acute symptoms."
• Highly sensitive or keen: Describes a heightened sense or sharp perception.
  • Example: "He has an acute sense of hearing."
• In mathematics, describing an angle of less than 90 degrees: Used to refer to angles or triangles with sharp angles.
  • Example: "An acute triangle has all angles measuring less than 90 degrees."