Astute: meaning and SAT practice

Astute (adjective) means: Having keen insight and good judgment.

Astute in a sentence

Her astute observations helped solve the complex problem.

Similar: shrewd, clever, perceptive, sharp, wise. Opposite: naive, foolish, dull.

SAT-style practice: what does “astute” most nearly mean?

Her astute observations helped solve the complex problem.

As used in the sentence, “astute” most nearly means

  1. shrewd
  2. modest
  3. serious
  4. mundane
Show the answer

Answer: A. “astute” means: Having keen insight and good judgment. “shrewd” is the closest match in this sentence. The other choices are real SAT-level words, but none of them carries that meaning here.

On the digital SAT this is the “Words in Context” skill, about 7 of the 54 Reading and Writing questions. The test asks what a word means as used in the passage, so a word’s most common meaning is not always the answer. More of these, with full explanations, are on SAT Words in Context practice questions.

  • acrid: Having a bitter, unpleasant smell or taste.
  • canny: Shrewd and careful, especially in business or dealing with others.
  • judicious: Having good judgment and making wise, careful decisions.
  • scintillating: Brilliantly clever, witty, or sparkling with light and energy.
  • compendious: Containing or presenting information in a brief, condensed form.
  • equanimous: Calm and even-tempered, not easily disturbed or angered.

← astringent · All 701 SAT words · august →

Want to know which SAT skills you are actually missing? Take the free diagnostic. No account needed to start.