Acumen
Pronunciation
- US IPA: IPA: /ˈæk.jə.mən/. Obsolete IPA: /əˈkju.mən/
Origin
From Latin acūmen ("sharp point").
Full definition of acumen
Noun
acumen
(plural acumens)- Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.
- 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 2, Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke....A silver snaffle on a heavy leather watch guard which connected the pockets of his corduroy waistcoat, together with a huge gold stirrup in his Ascot tie, sufficiently proclaimed his tastes....But withal there was a perceptible acumen about the man which was puzzling in the extreme.
- Arthur Conan Doyle in ''No, no, my dear Watson! With all respect for your natural acumen, I do not think that you are quite a match for the worthy doctor.
- 1991, The Silence of the Lambs %28film%29Hannibal Lecter: Why do you think he removes their skins, Agent Starling? Enthrall me with your acumen.