sharp-witted

[ shahrp-wit-id ]

adjective

1. having or showing mental acuity; intellectually discerning; acute.

sharp-witted

adjective

1. having or showing a keen intelligence; perceptive

Derived Forms

• ˌsharp-ˈwittedly, adverb
• ˌsharp-ˈwittedness, noun

Other Words From

• sharp-witted·ly adverb
• sharp-witted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sharp-witted¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

“Grinning, arrogant, sharp-witted — and alive — Chessman, committer of indescribable crimes, is a heavy reproach to the state’s conscience,” The Times argued, saying his supporters were ignorant of the gravity of his crimes “because the newspapers dare not publish the horrible details.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a single audition, Coughlan was cast as Penelope, a thoughtful, sharp-witted young woman with an overbearing mother and tacky, dim-witted sisters.

From Los Angeles Times

Gwen Crockett said her daughter was a sharp-witted speaker from a young age.

From Salon

The character — a sharp-witted, Brooklyn-loving, Air Jordan-wearing Knicks superfan — would go on to star in a slew of commercials for Michael Jordan’s sneaker line, still played by Lee.

From Los Angeles Times

Zephaniah, who was born in Birmingham in central England on April 15, 1958, was a sharp-witted and often provocative presence across British media as well as regularly performing at political gatherings and demonstrations.

From Washington Times