Definition of ACUITY (original) (raw)
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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
a worrisome deterioration in the acuity of his hearing over the years
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her acuity gives equal weight and immediacy to both the intangible reality of human relationships (the social hierarchies among children in a cancer ward, say) and the brute force of physical experience. —
Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2024 The president's advancing age and mental acuity had been topics of discussion for months before the debate. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024 Biden exited the race in July, though, heeding calls from fellow Democrats concerned about the octogenarian's acuity. —Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024 Not everyone has the visual and fine-motor acuities to negotiate things, but the mainstream tech community doesn’t bother to consider that. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acuity 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English acuite "sharpness, acridity," borrowed from Middle French acuité, borrowed from Medieval Latin acuitāt-, acuitās, from Latin acu-, stem of acuere "to sharpen" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at acute
First Known Use
circa 1549, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of acuity was circa 1549
Dictionary Entries Near acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 24 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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