acuity
noun
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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.
Synonyms
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Bradford Betz, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2023
Interviews with voters polled showed that for many, the negative feelings about Mr. Biden stemmed from doubts about his mental acuity.
—Camille Baker, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023
To make matters worse, an infection had spread from the incision site, causing rapid deterioration of Bob’s mental acuity.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023
In 2023, the quest for enhanced cognitive performance has become increasingly prominent, with individuals from various walks of life seeking ways to optimize their mental acuity and concentration.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2023
Some described heart-wrenching scenes as Willis grappled with his loss of mental acuity and an inability to remember his dialogue, The Times reported previously.
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2023
Questions about Biden’s age and mental acuity, justified or not, have emerged as some of the biggest vulnerabilities for the president’s reelection campaign, polls suggest.
—Maeve Reston and Marisa Iati, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Sep. 2023
This product extends beyond athletes, providing assistance in cellular energy production and mental acuity, enabling individuals to excel in all aspects of life at their highest potential.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2023
Vanessa Bell Calloway’s Idella, a cook who works for Ol’ Cap’n and might in other contexts be framed as a Mammy figure, here has a freedom fighter’s acuity.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acuity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing acuity
Dictionary Entries Near acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
acuity
noun
Medical Definition
acuity
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on acuity
Nglish: Translation of acuity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of acuity for Arabic Speakers
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