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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Origin: | Probably from a Scandinavian language |
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clev‧er S2
1 especially British English able to learn and understand things quickly [= intelligent; = smart AmE] a clever man
a clever man2 able to use your intelligence to get what you want, especially in a slightly dishonest way : a clever lawyer's tricks
a clever lawyer's tricks3 especially British English skilful at doing a particular thing : Bill's very clever with his hands. his clever ball control
Bill's very clever with his hands.his clever ball control4 done or made in an unusual or interesting way that is very effective : What a clever little gadget! a clever marketing strategy
What a clever little gadget!a clever marketing strategy5 British English spoken used jokingly when someone has done something silly or stupid : 'When I got to the library I found I'd left the books at home.' 'That was clever!'
'When I got to the library I found I'd left the books at home.' 'That was clever!'6 used to describe someone who is annoying because they are always right or always think they are right
clever clogs/dick
British English spoken7 to be clever, and to show that you are clever in a way that annoys other people
be too clever by half
British English spoken —cleverly adverb
—cleverness noun [uncountable]
WORD FOCUS: intelligent WORD FOCUS: intelligent similar words: clever especially BrE/smart especially AmE good at learning or understanding things quickly
bright intelligent - used especially about young people
brilliant a brilliant scientist, writer, student, historian etc is extremely intelligent and does very good work
brainy informal very intelligent and good at studying
gifted a gifted child is extremely intelligent
wise a wise person has a lot of experience and knowledge, and can give good advice
cunning/crafty good at using your intelligence to trick people
intelligent people: genius someone who is extremely intelligent and has great ideas
intellectual someone who is well-educated and interested in art, science, or literature at a high level
intelligentsia a country's intellectuals, considered as a single group
➔ See also intelligent
