C1adverbemotionshealth
US/əˈkjuːt.li/
UK/əˈkjuːt.li/
very strongly or clearly; used about feelings, awareness and serious problems
In context
She was acutely aware that everyone in the room was watching her.
Rural hospitals are acutely short of doctors and nurses.
Teenagers feel rejection acutely, so small comments can hurt them deeply.
Words that go with acutely
adverb + adjective
- acutely awareThe new manager is acutely aware of the team's low morale.
- acutely consciousAt his first job in Sydney, he was acutely conscious of his accent.
- acutely illAcutely ill patients are treated first in the emergency room.
- acutely embarrassedI was acutely embarrassed when my phone rang during the ceremony.
- acutely sensitiveSome people with migraines are acutely sensitive to light and noise.
verb + adverb
- feel acutelyMany patients feel pain more acutely at night when they cannot sleep.