Main Entry: clev·er

Pronunciation: \ˈkle-vər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English cliver, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan dial. kløver alert, skillful

Date: circa 1595

1 a : skillful or adroit in using the hands or body : nimble <clever fingers> b : mentally quick and resourceful <a clever young lawyer>
2 : marked by wit or ingenuity <a clever solution> <a clever idea>
3 dialect a : good b : easy to use or handle

— clev·er·ish \-v(ə-)rish\ adjective

— clev·er·ly \-vər-lē\ adverb

— clev·er·ness \-vər-nəs\ noun

synonyms clever, adroit, cunning, ingenious mean having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving. clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude <a person clever with horses>. adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties <an adroit negotiator>. cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating <a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects>. ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something <an ingenious software engineer>.

synonyms see in addition intelligent