'argute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'argutus', where the root 'argu-' comes from Latin 'arguere' meaning 'to make clear, to accuse' and the suffix '-tus' formed a past-participial/adjectival form.

'argutus' passed into Old French/Medieval Latin forms and appeared in Middle English (as forms such as 'argut' or 'argute'), eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'argute'.

Initially it meant 'clear, loud, distinct' (in the sense of clarity/sharpness); over time it evolved to the current sense of 'keenly perceptive, sharply discerning' (particularly of intellect or argument).