clever
[ klev-er ]
/ ˈklɛv ər /
adjective, clev·er·er, clev·er·est.
mentally bright; having sharp or quick intelligence; able.
superficially skillful, witty, or original in character or construction; facile: It was an amusing, clever play, but of no lasting value.
showing inventiveness or originality; ingenious: His clever device was the first to solve the problem.
adroit with the hands or body; dexterous or nimble.
Older Use.
- suitable; convenient; satisfactory.
- good-natured.
- handsome.
- in good health.
QUIZZES
CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?
Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
Origin of clever
SYNONYMS FOR clever
OTHER WORDS FROM clever
Words nearby clever
cleveite, cleveland, cleveland bay, cleveland heights, cleveland, grover, clever, clever dick, clever-clever, cleves, clevis, clew
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for clever
British Dictionary definitions for clever
clever
/ (ˈklɛvə) /
adjective
displaying sharp intelligence or mental alertness
adroit or dexterous, esp with the hands
smart in a superficial way
British informal sly; cunning
(predicative; used with a negative) dialect healthy; fit
Derived forms of clever
cleverish, adjectivecleverly, adverbcleverness, nounWord Origin for clever
C13 cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012