adj A1 Beginner Common

clever

KLEHV-uh

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Clever (adj) means Mentally quick, smart, and good at coming up with ideas or solving problems. Example: “My clever nephew worked out the puzzle before any of the adults did.”

adj

Mentally quick, smart, and good at coming up with ideas or solving problems.

"My clever nephew worked out the puzzle before any of the adults did."

"It was a clever solution to a tricky problem."

"She's clever enough to talk her way out of almost anything."

Skillful with the hands or body; dexterous.

"The clever hands of the potter shaped the clay into a perfect bowl."

"He is clever with a needle and mended the torn coat in minutes."

"The magician's clever fingers made the coin disappear."

How to use clever

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSmart, quick-witted, or skillful — able to think of good ideas or handle things skillfully.

Common mistake

In British English, calling someone "too clever" can carry a slightly negative, "too smart for their own good" tone — context matters.

Common pairings

a clever idea clever trick clever solution

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: cleverer, more clever
Superlative: cleverest, most clever

Test yourself on “clever” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

My _____ nephew worked out the puzzle before any of the adults did.

Etymology

From an East Anglian dialect word cliver, meaning "expert at seizing," likely linked to a root meaning "to grip" or "cling" — connected distantly to "cleave."

Synonyms

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smart intelligent bright ingenious shrewd astute apt cunning cagy canny cagey

Antonyms

dull stupid ineffectual naive antonym(s) of clumsy

Related words

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Rhymes for clever

ever never lever sever fever however forever whatever whenever believer wherever whomever

See all rhymes for clever →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clever” mean?

The word “clever” means mentally quick, smart, and good at coming up with ideas or solving problems. In plain terms, smart, quick-witted, or skillful — able to think of good ideas or handle things skillfully.

How do you pronounce “clever”?

“Clever” is pronounced KLEHV-uh (/ˈklɛv.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “clever” in a sentence?

Here is “clever” used in a sentence: “It was a clever solution to a tricky problem.”

What is the opposite of “clever”?

The opposite of “clever” — its antonyms — are dull, stupid, ineffectual, naive and antonym(s) of.

What part of speech is “clever”?

“Clever” is an adjective.

Is “clever” a common word?

“Clever” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

How many meanings does “clever” have?

“Clever” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mentally quick, smart, and good at coming up with ideas or solving problems.

What is the difference between 'clever' and 'intelligent'?

Both describe mental ability, but 'clever' stresses quickness and resourcefulness in finding solutions, while 'intelligent' suggests deeper understanding and reasoning power. 'Clever' can also carry a hint of cunning, whereas 'intelligent' is more neutral.

Can 'clever' have a negative meaning?

Yes. When someone is called 'too clever' or 'clever by half,' it suggests they are cunning, sly, or showing off rather than genuinely wise. Tone and context decide whether 'clever' is a compliment or a criticism.

What is the difference between 'clever' and 'smart'?

The words overlap, but 'smart' is more common in American English and can also mean neatly or stylishly dressed. 'Clever' leans towards ingenuity and wit and is especially common in British English.

How is 'clever' used to describe physical skill?

'Clever' can mean nimble or dexterous with the hands or body, as in 'clever fingers' or 'a clever craftsman.' This sense emphasises manual skill rather than intellect.

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