Cleverer: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.