sharp-witted

American  

[shahrp-wit-id] / ˈʃɑrpˈwɪt ɪd /

adjective

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

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sharp-witted British  

adjective

1. having or showing a keen intelligence; perceptive

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Other Word Forms

• sharp-wittedly adverb
• sharp-wittedness noun

Etymology

Origin of sharp-witted

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2024

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 • Dec. 15, 2023

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 • Dec. 7, 2023

The Financial Times described The Bee Sting as "generous, immersive, sharp-witted and devastating; the sort of novel that becomes a friend for life".

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2023

These workers, illiterate but sharp-witted, who for some reason called themselves The Club, assumed that the better-educated readers looked down on them.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith