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Astute vs Observant - What's the difference?

astute | observant |

As adjectives the difference between astute and observant

is that astute is quickly and critically discerning while observant is alert and paying close attention; watchful.

As a noun Observant is

a member of a Franciscan order that strictly observes the rules of St. Francis.

astute

English

Adjective

(er)
  • quickly and critically discerning
  • shrewd or crafty
  • * 2014 , A teacher, " Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian , 23 September 2014:
    • The best headteachers are like submarine captains – cool-headed, astute decision-makers – who trust their colleagues and surroundings to indicate where their ship is headed.

    Synonyms

    * crafty, shrewd, wily

    Derived terms

    * astutely * astuteness

    Anagrams

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    observant

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Alert and paying close attention; watchful.
    • The observant police officer noticed that my tax disk was out-of-date.
  • Diligently attentive in observing a law, custom, duty or principle; regardful; mindful.
    • I was normally observant of the local parking restrictions.
  • * Sir K. Digby
    • We are told how observant Alexander was of his master Aristotle.

    Antonyms

    * introspective * nonobservant * unobservant

    Anagrams

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