 |
| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | 'knowledge, intelligence' |
| |||||||||
wit
1 the ability to say things that are clever and amusing : a woman of great wit and charm
amusing
[uncountable]a woman of great wit and charm2 someone who is able to say clever and amusing things
amusing person
[countable]3 your ability to think quickly and make the right decisions :
wits
[plural] keep/have your wits about you (=be ready to think quickly and do what is necessary in a difficult situation)
4 to frighten someone very much : I was terrified out of my wits at the very idea.
frighten/scare/terrify somebody out of their wits
informalI was terrified out of my wits at the very idea.5 to make yourself think about what you are going to do next after you have been surprised by something : I felt helpless, but tried to gather my wits.
gather/collect/recover etc your wits
I felt helpless, but tried to gather my wits.7 to be very upset and not know what to do, because you have tried everything possible to solve a problem
be at your wits' end
8 to be clever enough to know the right thing to do : Thankfully, Reid had the wit to see what was wrong with the plan.
have the wit to do something
formalThankfully, Reid had the wit to see what was wrong with the plan.10 used to introduce additional information which makes it clear exactly who or what you are talking about [= namely]: This does not stop me giving you a little treat. To wit, an invitation to dine at Brown's.
to wit
old use or formalThis does not stop me giving you a little treat. To wit, an invitation to dine at Brown's.