clever

One entry found for clever.

Main Entry: clev·er
Pronunciation: 'kle-v&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English cliver, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish dialect kløver alert, skillful
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(&-)rish/ adjective
- clev·er·ly /-v&r-lE/ adverb
- clev·er·ness /-v&r-n&s/ 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>. synonym see in addition INTELLIGENT