WordValeacuity
sharpness of perception or thought
In more detail
1. (noun) the ability to think, see, or understand things clearly and accurately
2. (noun) sharpness or keenness, especially of vision or hearing
Examples
- 1. Her visual acuity was excellent, and she could read the small print without glasses.
- 2. The eagle's acuity of vision allows it to spot prey from high in the sky.
How to use acuity
Acuity refers to the quality of being sharp and precise in perception or thought. It is commonly used in medical contexts (visual acuity, hearing acuity) and intellectual contexts (mental acuity, analytical acuity). The term emphasizes both physical sharpness and intellectual clarity, making it suitable for formal and professional discourse.
Common phrases
- visual acuity
- mental acuity
- acute acuity
- acuity of vision
- acuity test
- with acuity
Synonyms
sharpness · keenness · clarity · perceptiveness · discernment
Opposites
dullness · obtuseness · blur
Word family
acute (adjective) · acutely (adverb) · acuteness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse acuity with accuracy; acuity is about sharpness of perception or mind, while accuracy refers to correctness of a result or statement.
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