smart

[ smahrt ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.

   Synonyms: sting, hurt, pain

2. to be the cause of a sharp, stinging pain, as an irritating application, a blow, etc.
3. to feel a sharp, stinging pain, as in a wound.
4. to suffer keenly from wounded feelings:

   She smarted under their criticism.

5. to feel shame or remorse or to suffer in punishment or in return for something.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a sharp pain to or in.

adjective

, smart·er, smart·est.

1. quick or prompt in action, as persons.

   Synonyms: active, alert, agile, nimble, lively

2. having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability:

   a smart student.

   Synonyms: adroit, expert, sharp, bright

   Antonyms: stupid

3. shrewd or sharp, as a person in dealing with others or as in business dealings:

   a smart businessman.

   Synonyms: adept, cunning

4. clever, witty, or readily effective, as a speaker, speech, rejoinder, etc.
5. dashingly or impressively neat or trim in appearance, as persons, dress, etc.

   Synonyms: showy, pretentious, spruce

6. socially elegant; sophisticated or fashionable:

   the smart crowd.

   Synonyms: chic

7. saucy; pert:

   smart remarks.

8. sharply brisk, vigorous, or active:

   to walk with smart steps.

   Synonyms: energetic

9. sharply severe, as a blow, stroke, etc.
10. sharp or keen:

    a smart pain.

    Synonyms: penetrating, poignant

11. Digital Technology.
    1. (of a machine, system, etc.) equipped with electronic control mechanisms, software programs, etc., and capable of remote, automated, and seemingly intelligent operation:

       smart copiers;

       smart weapons;

       a smart thermostat.

    2. equipped with microprocessors, as for data processing, internet access, etc. (usually used in combination):

       a smartphone;

       a smartwatch.

12. having properties that can be changed in response to stimuli or environmental conditions; self-regulating:

    smart fabrics that respond to temperature or light.

13. Older Use. considerable; fairly large.

adverb

1. in a smart manner; smartly.

noun

1. a sharp local pain, usually superficial, as from a wound, blow, or sting.
2. keen mental suffering, as from wounded feelings, affliction, grievous loss, etc.
3. smarts, Slang. intelligence; common sense:

   He never had the smarts to use his opportunities.

smart

¹

/ smɑːt /

adjective

1. astute, as in business; clever or bright
2. quick, witty, and often impertinent in speech

   a smart talker

3. fashionable; chic

   a smart hotel

4. well-kept; neat
5. causing a sharp stinging pain
6. vigorous or brisk
7. dialect.
   considerable or numerous

   a smart price

8. (of systems) operating as if by human intelligence by using automatic computer control
9. (of a projectile or bomb) containing a device that allows it to be guided to its target

verb

1. to feel, cause, or be the source of a sharp stinging physical pain or keen mental distress

   a nettle sting smarts

   he smarted under their abuse

2. often foll by for to suffer a harsh penalty

noun

1. a stinging pain or feeling

adverb

1. in a smart manner

Smart

²

/ smɑːt /

noun

1. SmartChristopher17221771MBritishWRITING: poet Christopher. 1722–71, British poet, author of A Song to David (1763) and Jubilate Agno (written 1758–63, published 1939). He was confined (1756–63) for religious mania and died in a debtors' prison

Derived Forms

• ˈsmartly, adverb
• ˈsmartish, adjective
• ˈsmartness, noun

Other Words From

• smart·ing·ly adverb
• smart·ly adverb
• smart·ness noun
• su·per·smart adjective
• su·per·smart·ness noun
• ul·tra·smart adjective
• un·smart adjective
• un·smart·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English (verb) smerten, Old English -smeortan (only in the compound fyrsmeortende “painful like fire”), cognate with Old High German smerzan ( German schmerzen ); (adjective) Middle English smerte, smart “quick, prompt, sharp,” originally, “biting, smarting,” late Old English smearte, akin to the verb; (adverb and noun) Middle English smerte, derivative of the adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

Old English smeortan; related to Old High German smerzan, Latin mordēre to bite, Greek smerdnos terrible

Example Sentences

At a time when the land that racetracks sit on has become so valuable that developers are paying record sums to tear them down and build industrial parks in their place, buying a race that is run on city streets was a smart investment on a number of levels.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s such a smart, detailed guy,” said Steele, a Nashville-based songwriter who’s had hits with Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and others.

From Los Angeles Times

“And with the exception of two, he was right on the money. He was really smart and really focused on becoming what he became.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth envisions the military as a safe space for straight white men, where their fantasy of inherent superiority is carefully protected from real-world evidence that other people are strong, smart and capable.

From Salon

"Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice," Trump said in a statement announcing his choice.

From BBC

Related Words

• agile
• astute
• bold
• brainy
• bright
• brilliant
• canny
• crafty
• good
• nimble
• quick
• resourceful
• sharp
• shrewd
• slick
• wise