acumen

/ə'kju:men/

Friendly

Word: Acumen

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Acumen refers to the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, usually in a specific area like business or politics. It shows that a person has sharp insight and understanding.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use "acumen" when talking about someone’s intelligence or skill in making decisions. It often describes someone who is particularly good at understanding complex situations and coming up with effective solutions.
• How to use: Typically, it is used in contexts that involve expertise, such as "business acumen" or "political acumen."

Example Sentences:

1. Basic: Her business acumen helped the company grow rapidly.
2. Advanced: His political acumen allowed him to navigate the complexities of the election effectively.

Word Variants:

• Acuminous (adjective): Sharp or pointed; having acumen.
• Acumenous (adjective): Another form that describes having insight or sharpness of mind.

Different Meanings:

While "acumen" primarily refers to insight or sharpness in decision-making, it can also mean a tapering point, like the tip of a sharp object (though this usage is less common).

Synonyms:

• Insight
• Sharpness
• Astuteness
• Shrewdness
• Cleverness
• Intelligence

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "acumen," but you might hear phrases like “to have a keen eye” or “to have a good head for business,” which convey a similar meaning.

Summary:

"Acumen" is a valuable word that highlights a person’s ability to understand and make decisions effectively.

Academic

Noun

1. shrewdness shown by keen insight
2. a tapering point

Synonyms

• insightfulness