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Acute - care-Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Acute describes something sharp, severe, or intense. It can refer to a sudden illness, a keen sense of perception, or an angle less than 90 degrees. The word often implies urgency or severity.

acute

/əˈkjuːt/ /əˈkjuːt/

Definition:

Extremely sharp, severe, or intense; perceptive or keen in understanding.

Synonyms:

sharp, severe, intense, keen, penetrating

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

dull, mild, obtuse

Common Collocations:

acute pain, acute angle, acute awareness, acute shortage, acute illness

Derivatives:

acutely, acuteness

Usage Tips:

Use "acute" to describe severe conditions or sharp perceptions; avoid for mild or gradual situations.

Common Phrases:

acute angle, acute sense of smell, in acute distress

Etymology:

From Latin "acutus," meaning sharpened or pointed; related to "acuere" (to sharpen).

Examples:

  • 1. She felt an acute pain in her side after running.
  • 2. The doctor diagnosed him with an acute infection requiring immediate treatment.
  • 3. Her acute hearing allowed her to detect the faintest sounds.
  • 4. The team faced an acute shortage of supplies during the expedition.

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