Which term describes someone marked by practical hardheaded intelligence?

The term that describes someone marked by practical hardheaded intelligence is "astute." This word captures the essence of being able to assess situations and people effectively, often due to a sharp, practical understanding of the world. An astute individual is able to combine intelligence with keen observation and insight, allowing them to make sound judgments and decisions based on real-world dynamics.

In contrast, the other options do not convey the same meaning. "Belieaguer" refers to being troubled or besieged, which does not align with the concept of intelligence or practical thinking. "Benign" means kind or harmless, lacking any implication of intelligence or shrewdness. "Coalesce" describes the process of coming together or merging, which is unrelated to the idea of practical intelligence or being sharp-witted. Hence, "astute" is the most appropriate choice in describing someone with practical hardheaded intelligence.