Clever

/ˈklɛvər/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonIntelligence
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

1

Having or showing quick intelligence or mental skill.

/ˈklɛvər/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Intelligence

Quick-witted, intelligent, and resourceful.

She came up with a clever solution to the problem.

💡 Simply: Clever means being really smart and good at thinking quickly and solving problems. Like a detective figuring out a mystery!

👶 For kids: Being really smart and good at figuring things out!

More Examples

2

The magician performed a clever trick.

How It's Used

Everyday Conversation

"He's a clever boy; he always finds a way to solve the puzzle."

Literature

"The author's clever use of metaphors enhanced the story."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

a clever idea

An original and effective idea.

"That's a clever idea; let's try it."

Originating from Middle English *clevere, meaning 'skillful with the hands,' ultimately from Old Norse *klǫfr 'skillful, clever'.

Historically, 'clever' was more associated with manual dexterity and skill, before expanding to encompass intellectual ability.

Memory tip

Think of a 'clever' fox, always outsmarting others.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"Skillful, clever"

Base: clever
clever ideaclever planclever solutioncleverly designed

Common misspellings

cleaverclevere

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written