acumen
Definitions
The ability to make good, quick judgments and decisions, especially in a particular field; keen insight.
敏锐的判断力；洞察力；精明（尤指在某一领域）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedacu (from acuere 'to sharpen') + -men (noun-forming suffix) = literally 'sharpness.' Latin acūmen meant the point of something sharp; Romans applied it to a sharpened mind. So acumen is mental sharpness — the keen, practical judgment that cuts straight to a good decision.
Root acer still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
acumen is uncountable and almost always paired with a domain that says what kind of sharpness it is: business acumen, political acumen, financial/commercial/tactical acumen. It is formal and complimentary — you praise someone's acumen, you don't 'have acumen' about trivial things.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her business acumen turned a small shop into a national chain.
- 2.
The deal showed real political acumen on both sides.
- 3.
He lacked the financial acumen to manage such a large budget.
Easily Confused
acumen vs intelligence vs wisdom — intelligence is raw mental power; wisdom is deep, reflective judgment built over time; acumen is sharp, practical, fast judgment in a specific field (knowing the right business move now). You can be intelligent without business acumen.