What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acuity
Example
The patient's visual acuity was tested using an eye chart. [acuity: noun]
Example
The detective's mental acuity helped him solve the case quickly. [acuity: noun]
sharpness
Example
Be careful with that knife, it has a sharpness to it. [sharpness: noun]
Example
The photographer adjusted the camera settings to increase the sharpness of the image. [sharpness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sharpness is more commonly used than acuity in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Acuity is more specialized and is typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acuity and sharpness?
Acuity is more formal than sharpness, as it is often used in technical or scientific writing. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the context and tone of the writing or speech.
