Acute- (adjective)
Definition: having or showing an ability to think clearly and to understand what is not obvious or simple about something; highly developed
Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acute
Found in: “Quicksand” By, Nella Larsen. (P. 380)
Quote: “In the office a few nondescript women sat scattered about on the long rows of chairs. Some were plainly uninterested, others wore an air of acute expectancy, which disturbed Helga.
After reading this definition I now understand that Helga was a little disturbed by the row of women because some seemed to be a little sharp and clever, which may have intimidated her a bit.
