clever

[ klev-er ]

adjective

, clev·er·er, clev·er·est.

1. mentally bright; having sharp or quick intelligence; able.

   Synonyms: expert, apt, gifted, smart, quick-witted, talented, ingenious

   Antonyms: stupid

2. superficially skillful, witty, or original in character or construction; facile:

   It was an amusing, clever play, but of no lasting value.

3. showing inventiveness or originality; ingenious:

   His clever device was the first to solve the problem.

4. adroit with the hands or body; dexterous or nimble.

   Synonyms: handy, agile, skillful

   Antonyms: clumsy

5. Older Use.
   1. suitable; convenient; satisfactory.
   2. good-natured.
   3. handsome.
   4. in good health.

clever

/ ˈklɛvə /

adjective

1. displaying sharp intelligence or mental alertness
2. adroit or dexterous, esp with the hands
3. smart in a superficial way
4. informal.
   sly; cunning
5. dialect.
   predicative; used with a negative healthy; fit

Derived Forms

• ˈcleverness, noun
• ˈcleverish, adjective
• ˈcleverly, adverb

Other Words From

• clever·ish adjective
• clever·ish·ly adverb
• clever·ly adverb
• clever·ness noun
• over·clever adjective
• over·clever·ly adverb
• over·clever·ness noun
• un·clever adjective
• un·clever·ly adverb
• un·clever·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clever¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English cliver, perhaps from Old English clifer “claw,” clife “burdock,” or akin to East Frisian klüfer “skillful, agile, alert”; cleavers, cleft ¹, clove ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of clever¹

C13 cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The results suggest that these clever, vest-wearing rats could be an important tool in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

From NewsForKids.net

Instead, Elisa Allen from the campaign group asked them to consider swapping "sly" with "clever".

From BBC

Australian scientists have come up with a clever way to study hard-to-reach areas of the sea floor: they attached cameras to sea lions.

From NewsForKids.net

"They had to be clever and cut around any marks or make-up in the fabric to make sure they used the very best parts."

From BBC

Just how clever and smart she is, and how her comedy is so funny because it’s thoughtful.

From Los Angeles Times