smart

[smahrt]

verb (used without object)

1. to be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.

   Synonyms: sting, hurt, pain

2. to be the cause of a sharp, stinging pain, as an irritating application, a blow, etc.

3. to feel a sharp, stinging pain, as in a wound.

4. to suffer keenly from wounded feelings.

   She smarted under their criticism.

5. to feel shame or remorse or to suffer in punishment or in return for something.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a sharp pain to or in.

adjective

smarter, smartest 

1. quick or prompt in action, as persons.

   Synonyms: active, alert, agile, nimble, lively

2. having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability.

   a smart student.

   Synonyms: adroit, expert, sharp, bright
   Antonyms: stupid

3. shrewd or sharp, as a person in dealing with others or as in business dealings.

   a smart businessman.

   Synonyms: adept, cunning

4. clever, witty, or readily effective, as a speaker, speech, rejoinder, etc.

5. dashingly or impressively neat or trim in appearance, as persons, dress, etc.

   Synonyms: showy, pretentious, spruce

6. socially elegant; sophisticated or fashionable.

   the smart crowd.

   Synonyms: chic

7. saucy; pert.

   smart remarks.

8. sharply brisk, vigorous, or active.

   to walk with smart steps.

   Synonyms: energetic

9. sharply severe, as a blow, stroke, etc.

10. sharp or keen.

    a smart pain.

    Synonyms: penetrating, poignant

11. Digital Technology.

    1. (of a machine, system, etc.) equipped with electronic control mechanisms, software programs, etc., and capable of remote, automated, and seemingly intelligent operation.

       smart copiers;

       smart weapons;

       a smart thermostat.

    2. equipped with microprocessors, as for data processing, internet access, etc. (usually used in combination).

       a smartphone;

       a smartwatch.

12. having properties that can be changed in response to stimuli or environmental conditions; self-regulating.

    smart fabrics that respond to temperature or light.

13. Older Use.,  considerable; fairly large.

adverb

1. in a smart manner; smartly.

noun

1. a sharp local pain, usually superficial, as from a wound, blow, or sting.

2. keen mental suffering, as from wounded feelings, affliction, grievous loss, etc.

3. Slang.,  smarts, intelligence; common sense.

   He never had the smarts to use his opportunities.

smart

¹

/ smɑːt /

adjective

1. astute, as in business; clever or bright

2. quick, witty, and often impertinent in speech

   a smart talker

3. fashionable; chic

   a smart hotel

4. well-kept; neat

5. causing a sharp stinging pain

6. vigorous or brisk

7. dialect,  considerable or numerous

   a smart price

8. (of systems) operating as if by human intelligence by using automatic computer control

9. (of a projectile or bomb) containing a device that allows it to be guided to its target

verb

1. to feel, cause, or be the source of a sharp stinging physical pain or keen mental distress

   a nettle sting smarts

   he smarted under their abuse

2. (often foll by for) to suffer a harsh penalty

noun

1. a stinging pain or feeling

adverb

1. in a smart manner

Smart

²

/ smɑːt /

noun

1. Christopher. 1722–71, British poet, author of A Song to David (1763) and Jubilate Agno (written 1758–63, published 1939). He was confined (1756–63) for religious mania and died in a debtors' prison

Other Word Forms

• smartingly adverb
• smartly adverb
• smartness noun
• supersmart adjective
• supersmartness noun
• ultrasmart adjective
• unsmart adjective
• unsmarting adjective
• smartish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English (verb) smerten, Old English -smeortan (only in the compound fyrsmeortende “painful like fire”), cognate with Old High German smerzan ( German schmerzen ); (adjective) Middle English smerte, smart “quick, prompt, sharp,” originally, “biting, smarting,” late Old English smearte, akin to the verb; (adverb and noun) Middle English smerte, derivative of the adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

Old English smeortan; related to Old High German smerzan, Latin mordēre to bite, Greek smerdnos terrible

Example Sentences

Especially in the seventh, when the Dodgers batted around, producing the kind of inning they rarely managed in the regular season, one that featured aggressive at-bats, smart baserunning and three two-out RBIs.

From Los Angeles Times

For the time being, it seems to be smart business to focus on protein - whether it's truly beneficial or not.

From BBC

But before we confront the gender elephant in the room, it’s necessary to explore why Greene is actually doing a lot of smart things.

From Salon

"It was a smart move not to just chuck him in," he said.

From BBC

He feeds her salmon and bottled water; no impurities for his girl, who has Russian and Danish lineage and is as smart as she is sweet, according to the proudest of dog owners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agile 
• astute 
• bold 
• brainy 
• bright 
• brilliant 
• canny 
• crafty 
• good 
• nimble 
• quick 
• resourceful 
• sharp 
• shrewd 
• slick 
• wise