Acumen vs. Astute: What's the Difference?

Acumen and Astute Definitions

Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight

“A brilliant acumen in agricultural matters ... had made the old man a legend in the district” (James Herriot).

Having or showing shrewdness and discernment, especially with respect to one's own concerns.

Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.

Quickly and critically discerning.

(botany) A sharp, tapering point extending from a plant.

Shrewd or crafty.

(anatomy) A bony, often sharp, protuberance, especially that of the ischium.

Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty.

Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.

Marked by practical hardheaded intelligence;

A smart businessman

An astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease

He was too shrewd to go along with them on a road that could lead only to their overthrow

A tapering point

Shrewdness shown by keen insight