clever

[ klev-er ]

adjective

cleverer, cleverest.

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 Word Forms

• 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

Between them, the authors account for 95% of the clever twists and methods of murder you will encounter in any mystery ever.

From Los Angeles Times

In just about 120 seconds, viewers learn that Violet is not only intensely caring but clever enough to think of cunning, new approaches in a short amount of time when one method falls flat.

From Salon

It’s a clever premise and Malek works well in the role, with his unusually angular face and haunted eyes, constantly scanning his environments.

From Los Angeles Times

The contained setup is clever in an Alfred Hitchcock-meets-ChatGPT kind of way.

From Los Angeles Times

Stagecraft at Epic Universe is as important as any ride, and this is a good one, full of clever, high-budget tricks and charming puppets.

From Los Angeles Times