clever
[ klev-er ]
/ ˈklɛv ər /
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.
Origin of clever
SYNONYMS FOR clever
OTHER WORDS FROM clever
Words nearby clever
cleveite,
cleveland,
cleveland bay,
cleveland heights,
cleveland, grover,
clever,
clever dick,
clever-clever,
cleves,
clevis,
clew
Example sentences from the Web for cleverness
British Dictionary definitions for cleverness
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, adjective cleverly, adverb cleverness, nounWord Origin for clever
C13
cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin