clever

Meaning

Adjective

• Nimble with hands or body; skillful; adept.
• Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent.
• Mentally quick and resourceful.
• Smart, intelligent, or witty; mentally quick or sharp.
• Showing inventiveness or originality; witty.
• Possessing magical abilities.
• Fit; suitable; having propriety.
• Well-shaped; handsome.
• Good-natured; obliging.
• Fit and healthy; free from fatigue or illness.

Related

Similar words

• quick-witted, sharp-witted
• cunning, street-smart
• adroit, talented
• ingenious
• magical

Opposite words

• dull, stupid
• ineffectual, naive
• clumsy
• natural

Origin

• From East Anglian dialectal English cliver, from Middle English cliver ("tenacious"), perhaps from Old English *clifer, clibbor, or perhaps from East Frisian (compare Saterland Frisian kluftich), or dialectal Norwegian klover ("ready, skillful"); possibly influenced by Old English clifer ("claw, hand"). Related to cleave. Perhaps influenced by Welsh celfydd ("talented, dexterous, expert").