acutely
/əˈkjuːtli
/adverb [usually as submodifier]
1(With reference to something unpleasant or unwelcome) intensely: the whole situation was acutely embarrassing Elizabeth felt Jane’s distress acutely...
- In fact, the wielder may suffer more acutely than others.
- Regulations allow a maximum of 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste at each satellite accumulation area.
- She was recently admitted to hospital with an acutely painful, swollen knee.
Synonyms
extremely, exceedingly, very, markedly, severely, intensely, in the extreme, deeply, profoundly, keenly, sharply, painfully, desperately, awfully, terribly, tremendously, enormously, thoroughly, heartily
informal well, seriously, majorly, oh-so
informal, dated jolly, devilish
North American informal mighty, plumb
South African informal lekker
1.1(In relation to illness) in a way that progresses rapidly but lasts for a short period: an acutely inflamed gall bladder...
- If the patient is not acutely ill, treat them as an outpatient for 10 days to 6 weeks.
- Later, the child appears acutely ill with fever, upper airway compromise, and respiratory distress.
- The use of high-resolution transducers and graded compression make it possible to visualize directly an acutely inflamed appendix in patients of any age.
2In a way that shows a perceptive understanding or insight: we are all acutely aware of the fragility of our world...
- The General sits in his lifeless castle, the decadence of his environment acutely described.
- Leibniz, for all his Aristotelian credentials, was not acutely aware of the Aristotelian Problem of First Principles.
- Charged with leading Dominique's disciples, he is acutely conscious of the limits imposed on their potential for accomplishment.