Cleverer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cleverer

[ˈklɛvərər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

comparative form

Having or showing the ability to learn and understand things quickly or easily; quick-witted.

Synonyms

brighter, more intelligent, sharper, smarter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cleverer

Used to describe someone who is skillful or quick to understand or learn, often in a practical or crafty way.

  • She is cleverer than most when it comes to solving puzzles
  • His cleverer approach saved us a lot of time
smarter

Commonly used to describe someone who is generally intelligent or quick to understand and learn, often in both formal and informal settings.

  • She is smarter than her peers in technology
  • The smarter kids usually finish their homework faster
more intelligent

Formal and neutral term used to describe someone with a high level of cognitive abilities or intellect.

  • Of all the candidates, she appears to be the more intelligent
  • This problem-solving task requires someone more intelligent
sharper

Describes someone who is mentally quick and perceptive, often used to highlight quick thinking or decisiveness.

  • He’s sharper in business negotiations than anyone else
  • After a good night's sleep, she felt much sharper
brighter

Often used to describe someone who is very smart or quick-witted, but also implies a cheerful or positive outlook.

  • He's much brighter since he started reading more books
  • Her brighter demeanor makes everyone happy

Examples of usage

  • She is cleverer than her classmates in solving math problems.
  • He became even cleverer after attending that workshop.
Context #2 | Adjective

comparative form

Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent.

Synonyms

astute, cunning, ingenious, resourceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cleverer

Used when comparing the intelligence or quick thinking ability of two or more people. Generally neutral in tone.

  • She is cleverer than her peers when it comes to solving puzzles.
  • John is cleverer at mathematics than his brother.
astute

Describes someone who has the ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to their advantage. Often used in business or political contexts. Neutral to positive tone.

  • The astute investor made a fortune during the stock market crash.
  • Her astute observations helped the team avoid a costly mistake.
cunning

Refers to being skillful in achieving one's aims by deceit or evasion. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The cunning fox outwitted the hunters yet again.
  • He used cunning tricks to get what he wanted.
resourceful

Describes someone who is good at finding ways to deal with difficult situations, particularly using their surroundings or available materials. Generally positive in tone.

  • The resourceful scout managed to build a shelter from the fallen branches.
  • Being resourceful, she always finds a way to solve problems on a low budget.
ingenious

Used to praise someone's inventiveness or cleverness in creating new and interesting ideas or solutions. Positive in tone.

  • The engineer came up with an ingenious solution to the problem.
  • Her ingenious idea revolutionized the industry.

Examples of usage

  • The cleverer students finished the assignment in half the time.
  • She always comes up with cleverer solutions to everyday problems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Clever characters often fulfill the role of plot catalysts in stories, like Odysseus in Greek mythology who used his wit to escape the Cyclops.
  • Famous literary figures such as Sherlock Holmes exemplify cleverness, utilizing deduction to solve mysteries.
  • In fairy tales, cleverness frequently triumphs over brute force, as seen in tales like 'Rumpelstiltskin'.

Psychology

  • Studies show that cleverness can correlate with emotional intelligence, affecting how people solve problems socially.
  • Clever problem-solving skills can often lead to better outcomes in stress and conflict situations.
  • The concept of cleverness isn't static; it can be nurtured through education and life experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Characters like Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series represent cleverness, often using her intelligence to help friends.
  • Cleverness is often celebrated in reality shows and competitions, where problem-solving skills can lead to victory.
  • The phrase 'clever as a fox' has been popularized in various media, emphasizing how cleverness can be a survival trait.

Technology

  • The evolution of artificial intelligence often draws on cleverness as a benchmark for success in machine learning models.
  • Many algorithms simulate clever decision-making, aiming to outperform human reasoning in strategic games.
  • Innovative technologies like quantum computing promise to redefine clevery as they tackle complex problems faster and more intelligently.

Origin of 'cleverer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clever' comes from Middle English 'cliver', meaning 'to break or divide', suggesting a sharp mind that can cut through problems.
  • Originally, the term was associated with skill and cunning, not just intelligence alone.
  • The comparative 'cleverer' follows a simple rule in English for making adjectives comparative by adding 'er'.

The word 'cleverer' is the comparative form of the adjective 'clever'. The term 'clever' originated from the Old English word 'cleof', meaning 'skillful, dexterous'. Over time, 'clever' evolved to describe someone who is quick-witted, intelligent, and able to devise solutions. The comparative form 'cleverer' is used to indicate a higher level of intelligence or quick-thinking compared to another individual. The word has been in use for centuries to praise individuals for their ingenuity and intellect.


See also: cleverly, cleverness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,015 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.