wits

¹

/ wɪts /

plural noun

1. (sometimes singular) the ability to reason and act, esp quickly (esp in the phrase have one's wits about one )

2. (sometimes singular) right mind, sanity (esp in the phrase out of one's wits )

3. at a loss to know how to proceed

4. obsolete,  the five senses or mental faculties

5. to gain a livelihood by craftiness and cunning rather than by hard work

Wits

²

/ wɪts /

noun

1. informal,  University of the Witwatersrand

Example Sentences

But it seems Mr Phillips and his children could not survive in the bush on their wits alone.

From BBC

Regaining their wits and warming to the unexpected interaction, Anthony spotted a number of platinum discs on the wall behind Liam and decided to ask for one.

From BBC

But Walters shattered those barriers through her grit and wits.

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Lee added that people should also "have your wits about you and just avoid the animals", particularly in countries where the risk of rabies is much higher, such as parts of Africa and Asia.

From BBC

Elizabeth and Letitia, from Worthing and Lancing respectively, have been pitting their wits against four other teams as they aim to travel from China to India without smart phones or credit cards.

From BBC

Related Words

• fun 
• joke 
• satire