astute

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The Word of the Day for October 4 is: 

astute   \uh-STOOT\   adjective
         *1 : having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity 
     2 : crafty, wily 
 

Example sentence:
     The candidate made a number of astute observations about both foreign and 
domestic policy during the debate.

Did you know?
          "Astute" is similar in meaning to "shrewd" and "sagacious," but there 
are subtle differences in connotation among them. All three suggest sharp 
thinking and sound judgment, but "shrewd" stresses practical, hardheaded 
cleverness and judgment ("a shrewd judge of character"), whereas "sagacious" 
implies wisdom and foresight combined with good judgment ("sagacious 
investors"). "Astute," which derives from the Latin noun "astus," meaning 
"craft," suggests cleverness, mental sharpness, and diplomatic skill ("an 
astute player of party politics"). 





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