noun
acumen
AK-yuh-mun/ˈækjəmən/
The ability to understand situations and make sound practical judgments.
The trader shows business acumen by offering umbrellas as rain begins.
Etymology
Latin acumen meant a point or sting and already had the figurative sense of mental sharpness. English preserves that image in keen insight and shrewd practical judgment.
In context
when synthesized with the Gracie family's marketing acumen, it came in handy. In order to promote their system, the Gracies took out ads in newspapers, calling for challengers to test their mettle against the family's Judo.
More examples
- Her financial acumen helps the company avoid costly mistakes.
- Negotiating this agreement requires considerable political acumen.
- He has the technical skills but lacks the acumen to run a business.
Forms
acumen
Similar words
- shrewdness
- Emphasizes clever, sometimes calculating judgment in dealing with people.
- insight
- Emphasizes deep understanding rather than the ability to judge practically.
- discernment
- Emphasizes recognizing important differences and judging quality or character.