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 bromance between Musk and Trump has spawned clever memes about how long the relationship can withstand both men’s desire to be in charge.

From Los Angeles Times

And she's a fan of the "clever" mystery masks because it "creates intrigue".

From BBC

It works best as a comedy, a clever send-up of electoral politics.

From Los Angeles Times

I tried to be clever with the sarcasm.

From Los Angeles Times

A strong midfield burst from returning centre Max Llewellyn provided the platform for clever distribution from Gareth Anscombe and Thomas to release Grady and Winnett, to allow Murray to canter in with Anscombe converting.

From BBC