astut-, astu- +

Subtle; cunning.

1. Shrewd and discerning; especially, where personal benefit is to be derived.
2. Having or showing shrewdness and discernment; especially, with respect to one's own concerns.
3. Marked by practical hardheaded intelligence: "An astute borrower of funds always reads the small print in the contract."
4. Etymology: from Latin astutus, "crafty", from astus, "guile, cunning".

1. In a shrewd manner.
2. Referring to having, or showing shrewdness, and perspicacity.

1. The intellectual ability to penetrate deeply into ideas.
2. Having, or showing, an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turning this skill to one's advantage.

By excellence, not by cunning.