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of keen penetration or discernment; sagacious:
an astute analysis.
clever; cunning; ingenious; shrewd:
an astute merchandising program; an astute manipulation of facts.
Contemporary Examples

An astute politician would say something outlandish but easily dismissed by outsiders.
Voting for Slavery? Jim Wheeler Gets Into Hot Water Jamelle Bouie October 29, 2013

astute piece from Jonathan Mahler at Bloomberg View today on why football is not likely to go the way of boxing.
Why Spectators Sports Thrive or Die Michael Tomasky February 14, 2013

His clothes seem less a personal pursuit of perfection and more of an astute understanding of brand management.
The Look That Defined Fashion Week Robin Givhan September 15, 2011

Sayyaf may be an ultra-orthodox Sunni Muslim, but he is also an astute politician.
Afghan Elections: The Warlords Are Back Ron Moreau, Sami Yousafzai October 15, 2013

This collection shows you just how complex and funny and astute she was from the start.
How I Write: Meg Wolitzer Noah Charney March 25, 2014

Historical Examples

Besides this question of handicap, he was afraid with so astute a man as Coburn he would sooner or later give himself away.
The Pit Prop Syndicate Freeman Wills Crofts

Melanie was too astute to indulge in any compromising whims.
Nana, The Miller’s Daughter, Captain Burle, Death of Olivier Becaille Emile Zola

Nevis was far too astute to disparage the man he did not like openly to his wife, so he made a sign of assent.
A Prairie Courtship Harold Bindloss

The general is considered one of the most astute politicians in Italy.
Chit-Chat; Nirvana; The Searchlight Mathew Joseph Holt

This arrangement did not, however, meet the approbation of the astute William, who insisted on dividing the spoils by lot.
Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 70, No. 434, December, 1851 Various

adjective
having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd
adj.

1610s, from Latin astutus “crafty, wary, shrewd; sagacious, expert,” from astus “cunning, cleverness, adroitness,” of uncertain origin, perhaps from Greek asty “town,” a word borrowed into Latin and with an overtone of “city sophistication” (cf. asteism). Related: Astutely; astuteness.