clever

clev-er · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Quick to understand, learn, and devise solutions; mentally sharp.

  2. 2.

    Showing inventiveness or originality; ingenious.

  3. 3.

    Skillful with one's hands; dexterous.

  4. 4.

    (sometimes disapproving) Superficially smart or cunning rather than genuinely wise.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clever clogs/boots — a person who is annoyingly proud of their intelligence (British)
  • •
    too clever by half — excessively smart in a way that backfires
  • •
    clever dick — a know-it-all (British informal)

Related words

Antonyms: dull, foolish, slow, stupid
See also: ingenious, intelligent, smart, witty
Synonyms: bright, ingenious, intelligent, smart, witty

Etymology

From Middle English "cliver," possibly related to East Frisian "klüfer" (skillful) or Old English "clifer" (claw, clutching hand), suggesting dexterity. The mental sense developed from the physical meaning of being handy or skilled.