What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Shrew vs Astute - What's the difference?

shrew | astute |

As a noun shrew

is any of numerous small mouselike, chiefly nocturnal, mammals of the family Soricidae.

As a verb shrew

is to beshrew; to curse.

As an adjective astute is

quickly and critically discerning.

shrew

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • Any of numerous small mouselike, chiefly nocturnal, mammals of the family Soricidae.
  • An ill-tempered, nagging woman: a scold.
  • You'd better not stay out late tonight — your mother is quite a shrew and you'll never hear the end of it.

    Synonyms

    * (mouselike mammal) ranny (obsolete)

    Hyponyms

    * (mouselike mammal) common shrew

    Derived terms

    * elephant shrew * Etruscan shrew * hardishrew * jumping shrew * Nelson's small-eared shrew * shrew-run * shrewd * shrewish * tree shrew

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To beshrew; to curse.
  • * Chaucer
  • I shrew myself.

    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

    * ----