wit
1
[ wit ]
/ wɪt /
noun
the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure.
speech or writing showing such perception and expression.
a person having or noted for such perception and expression.
understanding, intelligence, or sagacity; astuteness.
Usually wits.
- powers of intelligent observation, keen perception, ingenious contrivance, or the like; mental acuity, composure, and resourcefulness: using one's wits to get ahead.
- mental faculties; senses: to lose one's wits; frightened out of one's wits.
Idioms for wit
Origin of wit
1
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English: “mind, thought”; cognate with German
Witz, Old Norse
vit; akin to
wit2
SYNONYMS FOR wit
synonym study for wit
See
humor.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH wit
whit witWords nearby wit
British Dictionary definitions for have one's wits about one (1 of 2)
wit
1
/ (wɪt) /
noun
See also
wits
Word Origin for wit
Old English
witt; related to Old Saxon
giwitt, Old High German
wizzi (German
Witz), Old Norse
vit, Gothic
witi. See
wit ²
British Dictionary definitions for have one's wits about one (2 of 2)
wit
2
/ (wɪt) /
verb
archaic
to be or become aware of (something)
adverb
to wit
that is to say; namely (used to introduce statements, as in legal documents)
Word Origin for wit
Old English
witan; related to Old High German
wizzan (German
wissen), Old Norse
vita, Latin
vidēre to see
Idioms and Phrases with have one's wits about one (1 of 2)
have one's wits about one
Also, keep one's wits about one. Remain alert or calm, especially in a crisis. For example, After the collision I had my wits about me and got his name and license number, or Being followed was terrifying, but Kate kept her wits about her and got home safely. [Early 1600s]
Idioms and Phrases with have one's wits about one (2 of 2)
wit
see at one's wit's end; have one's wits about one; live by one's wits; scare out of one's wits; to wit.