Question

Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of
ACUITY.
a)Sullen
b)Dullness
c)Sordid
d)Sharpness

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘Acuity’ means the ability to hear, see or think accurately and clearly.
Example: He was a man of great political acuity.We will look for an option that describes the meaning of the given word in the best possible way.

Complete answer:
Let us individually analyse the answer to figure out the correct one
a)Sullen: The word ‘sullen’ means bad-tempered and sulky.
Example: The sullen boy grunted his apology.
Example: John just sat there with a sullen expression on his face.
This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.
b)Dullness: The word ‘dullness’ means lack of brightness, vividness or sheen.
Example: The dullness of pencil made his writing illegible.
Example: Dullness of the skin is one of the signs of ageing.
This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.
c)Sordid: The word ‘sordid’ means dirty or squalid.
Example: The poor family lived in a sordid hut.
Example: It was a shock to discover the truth about his sordid past.
This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.
d)Sharpness: The word ‘sharpness’ means the quality or state of being sharp.
Example: She has a remarkable sharpness of mind.
Example: The knife had been honed to razor sharpness.
This word expresses the meaning of the given word. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘d’.

Note: The word ‘acuity’ refers to the ability to hear, see or think clearly and the word ‘sharpness’ refers to intelligent and excellent judgement, they mean the same. They are also synonymous.
Some more synonyms of the word ‘acuity’ are quickness, brilliance and understanding. Some antonyms of the word ‘acuity’ are ignorance, stupidity and inability. Example: A brilliance and quickness of perception combined with a cleverness expression. I tried not to betray my ignorance.
Also , the word ‘dullness’ is an antonym of the word ‘sharpness’ as they are opposite in meanings.