“Acute” is an adjective commonly encountered in IELTS Reading, particularly in passages related to healthcare and medicine. Understanding its meaning and usage can be crucial for achieving a good score. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the word “acute”, its synonyms, antonyms, and practical examples to enhance your vocabulary for the IELTS exam.
Understanding “Acute”
Definition and Pronunciation
Acute /əˈkjuːt/ (adjective):
- Characterized by sharpness or severity; intense:
- Having a rapid onset and a short course
- (of an angle) less than 90°
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: severe, intense, sharp, critical, dire, drastic, sudden, abrupt
- Antonyms: chronic, mild, dull, obtuse
Examples
- The patient presented with acute abdominal pain.
- The company is facing an acute shortage of skilled workers.
- The acute angle of the roof made it difficult to climb.
“Acute” in the IELTS Exam
Importance in IELTS Reading and Listening
“Acute” frequently appears in IELTS Reading passages and Listening sections that discuss medical conditions, environmental issues, or social problems. Understanding its meaning helps in:
- Comprehending the severity of a situation or condition.
- Identifying the time frame of an event or illness.
Applying “Acute” in IELTS Writing and Speaking
Sample Sentences for IELTS Writing Task 1
- The graph illustrates an acute rise in unemployment rates following the global recession.
- The data reveals an acute drop in air quality during the winter months.
Using “Acute” in IELTS Speaking
- “I recently experienced an acute pain in my back, which turned out to be a muscle spasm.”
- “The city’s housing crisis has become increasingly acute, with many struggling to find affordable accommodation.”
Collocations with “Acute”
- acute pain: a sudden, sharp pain
- acute illness: a sudden and severe illness of short duration
- acute shortage: a severe lack of something essential
- acute awareness: a heightened sense of something
- acute angle: an angle less than 90 degrees
Idioms and Phrases with “Acute”
While “acute” doesn’t feature in many idioms, its use with certain nouns, like “acute observation” or “acute analysis,” signifies a high level of perception and detail.
Conclusion
Mastering the word “acute”, along with its synonyms and antonyms, strengthens your vocabulary and enables you to express yourself with greater precision in the IELTS exam. Make sure to practice using “acute” in various contexts related to health, environment, and social issues to solidify your understanding and enhance your performance.