Witty: meaning, definitions and examples

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witty

[ˈwɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

humor

Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.

Synonyms

amusing, clever, humorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
witty	Used to describe someone or something that is quick and inventive in verbal humor. Often implies intelligence and a sharp mind. She made a witty remark that had everyone laughing. His witty comebacks always won the debates.
clever	Used to describe someone who is quick to think and solve problems, often in a creative or ingenious way. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts. She came up with a clever solution to the problem. His clever tricks to avoid work annoyed his colleagues.
humorous	Describes someone or something that is funny or makes people laugh. Generally positive and good-natured. He has a humorous take on everyday life. The book is humorous and easy to read.
amusing	Refers to something that provides entertainment and makes people smile, but may not be particularly deep or intellectual. The movie was amusing and kept the children entertained. Her stories are always so amusing.

Examples of usage

She was known for her witty remarks in social gatherings.
His witty jokes always made everyone laugh.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

intelligence

Intelligent humor marked by cleverness and quick thinking.

Synonyms

quick-witted, sharp-witted, smart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
witty	Used to describe someone who has a clever and humorous way of saying things. She always has a witty comeback to any remark. His speech was full of witty anecdotes.
smart	A general term to describe someone who is intelligent or knowledgeable. It does not specifically imply humor or quickness. She is very smart and always gets top grades in school. He made a smart decision to invest in the stock market.
sharp-witted	Refers to someone who is intelligent and quick-thinking, with a keen ability to notice and understand things in a precise way. Her sharp-witted analysis of the problem impressed everyone. He is known for his sharp-witted observations about current events.
quick-witted	Describes someone who can think and respond rapidly, often in a clever or amusing way. In tense situations, her quick-witted responses help defuse the tension. He’s very quick-witted, always ready with a clever remark in an instant.

Examples of usage

The comedian's witty observations on current events were highly praised.
She impressed everyone with her witty responses during the debate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'witty' originates from the Old English word 'wit', which means 'knowledge' or 'intelligence'.
In the 15th century, 'witty' was used to describe someone who had good sense and discernment.
The word has evolved to focus more on humor and cleverness rather than just intelligence.

Literature

Many classic authors like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain were known for their witty remarks that combined humor and social commentary.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters often use wit in their dialogue to show intelligence and to entertain the audience.
Wit is a key characteristic of numerous comedic genres, appearing in everything from plays and novels to stand-up comedy.

Psychology

Wit can be a sign of quick thinking and a well-developed sense of humor, often linked to higher cognitive abilities.
Engaging in witty banter can strengthen social bonds and create a comfortable atmosphere among friends.
Using wit in conversations can indicate confidence and social intelligence, making interactions more enjoyable.

Pop Culture

Modern television shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation' are famous for their witty characters who deliver sharp one-liners.
Witty memes often go viral on social media, showcasing the impact of clever humor in contemporary culture.
Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Tina Fey are beloved for their wit, often blending humor with social issues or personal anecdotes.

Translations

Translations of the word "witty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engraçado

🇮🇳 बुद्धिमान

🇩🇪 witzig

🇮🇩 jenaka

🇺🇦 дотепний

🇵🇱 dowcipny

🇯🇵 機知に富んだ

🇫🇷 spirituel

🇪🇸 ingenioso

🇹🇷 esprili

🇰🇷 재치 있는

🇸🇦 ذكي

🇨🇿 vtipný

🇸🇰 vtipný

🇨🇳 机智的

🇸🇮 duhovit

🇮🇸 snjall

🇰🇿 тапқыр

🇬🇪 სასაცილო

🇦🇿 hazırcavab

🇲🇽 ingenioso

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,351, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12348 sequel
12349 extraneous
12350 mythical
12351 witty
12352 expanse
12353 ballad
12354 tuna
...