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nounnounnounadjective

l’astuto

cunning

Definition & meaning

Astuto means clever, shrewd, or cunning. It describes someone who understands situations quickly and uses that understanding to achieve a goal. Depending on the context, it can be complimentary or suggest crafty, deceptive behavior.

Grammar & Word origin

An adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes: astuto, astuta, astuti, astute.

It comes from Latin astutus, meaning “cunning” or “shrewd,” from astus, “craft” or “cunning.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • furbo — clever or crafty, often suggesting an ability to gain an advantage.
  • scaltro — shrewd and quick to spot opportunities or avoid trouble.
  • ingegnoso — ingenious; emphasizes creativity rather than cunning.
  • ingenuo — naïve or innocent; less likely to recognize tricks or hidden motives.
  • sprovveduto — unprepared or lacking practical judgment.

Common phrases & collocations

  • una mossa astuta — a clever or shrewd move.
  • un piano astuto — a cunning plan.
  • astuto come una volpe — as cunning as a fox.

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Examples

Il gatto è molto astuto.adjective

The cat is very cunning.

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