Cleverness: meaning, definitions and examples

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cleverness

[ˈklɛvərnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

intelligence

The quality of being smart or having a sharp mind. Cleverness is often associated with the ability to think quickly and solve problems effectively.

Synonyms

intelligence, smartness, wit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cleverness	This word is often used to describe someone who can think of creative and quick solutions to problems. It can sometimes imply a sly or inventive approach. Her cleverness was evident in the way she handled the difficult situation. The cat's cleverness in finding a way into the sealed container was impressive.
intelligence	Use this word when referring to someone's overall mental ability and capacity to learn, understand, and make judgments. It's a broad and neutral term. His intelligence was obvious from a young age. The company's success is largely due to the intelligence of its employees.
wit	Wit refers to the ability to use words and ideas in a quick and inventive way, often to make people laugh. It has a humorous and sharp edge. His wit made him a favorite at the party. She replied with such wit that everyone burst into laughter.
smartness	This term generally denotes quick thinking and practical knowledge in everyday situations. It can also refer to neatness in appearance. Her smartness helped her get out of a tricky situation. He was known for his smartness in both his work and his attire.

Examples of usage

He showed great cleverness in coming up with a solution to the problem.
Her cleverness allowed her to outsmart her opponents in the game.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

creativity

The ability to think creatively and inventively. Cleverness can also refer to the skill of coming up with original ideas or solutions.

Synonyms

creativity, ingeniousness, originality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cleverness	This word is suitable for describing a person's quick thinking abilities and smart solutions to problems. It's often used in everyday conversations and has a neutral to positive connotation. Her cleverness helped her solve the puzzle in no time. The cleverness of his answer impressed everyone in the room.
creativity	This word is ideal for situations where someone's ability to come up with new and unique ideas or artistic expressions is being highlighted. It is often used in artistic, professional, or educational contexts. The artist's creativity is evident in every piece he paints. Her creativity made the project a great success.
ingeniousness	used when describing someone's ability to think with extraordinary intelligence and innovation. Typically has a strong positive tone and is suitable for describing inventions, solutions, or ideas that show exceptional brilliance. The engineer's ingeniousness led to a groundbreaking technology. Her ingeniousness in creating the new marketing strategy was applauded by the entire team.
originality	This word is perfect for situations where the uniqueness and newness of an idea, concept, or creation are emphasized. It's often used in artistic, literary, or professional settings to highlight something that stands out as novel and distinct. The originality of his story captivated the judges. Her design was praised for its originality.

Examples of usage

The cleverness of his design impressed everyone at the art exhibition.
She demonstrated her cleverness by creating a unique and innovative product.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'clever' comes from the Middle English term 'clever,' which means 'skilled' or 'apt.'
In Old Norse, 'klǫfr' meant 'climbing,' relating to the idea of rising above challenges through skill.

Psychology

Cleverness is often linked to problem-solving skills, showing how well a person can adapt to new situations.
Studies suggest that clever individuals may exhibit higher emotional intelligence, helping them understand others better.

Pop Culture

Clever characters are favorites in literature, such as Sherlock Holmes, who embodies intellectual wit and sharp observation.
The phrase 'clever as a fox' is often used in stories and sayings, highlighting intelligence and cunning.

Education

Educational systems often encourage cleverness through creativity and critical thinking, emphasizing practical applications.
Gifted programs in schools often identify and nurture cleverness, fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving.

Literature

Cleverness is a common trait in many literary characters, often leading them to become the heroes of their stories, like Odysseus in Homer's 'The Odyssey.'
Writers use cleverness in plots to create twists, keeping readers engaged and surprised.

Translations

Translations of the word "cleverness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inteligência

🇮🇳 बुद्धिमानी

🇩🇪 Klugheit

🇮🇩 kecerdasan

🇺🇦 розум

🇵🇱 inteligencja

🇯🇵 賢さ

🇫🇷 intelligence

🇪🇸 inteligencia

🇹🇷 zekâ

🇰🇷 지혜

🇸🇦 ذكاء

🇨🇿 chytrost

🇸🇰 múdrosť

🇨🇳 聪明

🇸🇮 bistroumnost

🇮🇸 vitsmunir

🇰🇿 ақылдылық

🇬🇪 გონიერება

🇦🇿 ağıllılıq

🇲🇽 inteligencia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,521, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19518 condescension
19519 howled
19520 reddened
19521 cleverness
19522 hie
19523 polygonal
19524 sifting
...