Astute \As*tute"\, a. [L. astutus, fr. astus craft, cunning; perh. cognate with E. acute.] Critically discerning; sagacious; shrewd; subtle; crafty. [1913 Webster] Syn: Keen; eagle-eyed; penetrating; skilled; discriminating; cunning; sagacious; subtle; wily; crafty. [1913 Webster] {As*tute"ly}, adv. -- {As*tute"ness}, n. [1913 Webster]