clever

Adjective
Synonyms: cageycagycannyaptcunningingenious

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (3)

  1. showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others“a cagey lawyer”“too clever to be sound”Synonyms: cageycagycanny
  2. mentally quick and resourceful“an apt pupil”“you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold — Bram Stoker”Synonyms: apt
  3. showing inventiveness and skill“a clever gadget”“the cunning maneuvers leading to his success”“an ingenious solution to the problem”Synonyms: cunningingenious
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Clever \Clev"er\, a. [Origin uncertain. Cf. OE. cliver eager, AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh. connected with E. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of E. clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with the mind).]

1.Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert. [1913 Webster]

Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.— C. Kingsley.[1913 Webster]

2.Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

3.Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness. [1913 Webster]

'T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs forever.— Swift.[1913 Webster]

4.Well-shaped; handsome. "The girl was a tight, clever wench as any was." --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]

5.Good-natured; obliging. [U. S.]

Syn: See Smart. [1913 Webster]

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