acute
Pronunciation
Adjective
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
Very sharp, sudden, or intense, or extremely sensitive in perception.
Synonyms and antonyms
Usage notes
In medicine, "acute" (sudden, short-term) is often contrasted with "chronic" (long-lasting).
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "He suffered from an _____ pain in his side that sent him to the hospital."
Answer: acute
In your own words, what does "acute" mean?
Very sharp, sudden, or intense, or extremely sensitive in perception.
Learn next at B2
- adaptability The ability to adjust easily to new conditions or situations.
- additional Extra, added to what already exists.
- adenine One of the four chemical bases that make up DNA and RNA, which pairs w...
- adept Very skilled or proficient at doing something.
- adjunct Something added to another thing as a supporting or supplementary part...
- administrator A person who manages the daily operations of an organization or system...