clever
[ klev-er ]
/ ˈklɛv ər /
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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.
OTHER WORDS FOR clever
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Origin of clever
OTHER WORDS FROM clever
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use clever in a sentence
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
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