ingenious
Ingenious (adj) means Clever and inventive; showing a smart, original way of solving a problem. Example: “She came up with an ingenious solution using just two paperclips.”
How to use ingenious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a clever, original idea, invention, or person.
Don't confuse with "ingenuous," which means innocent or naive — a completely different meaning.
Word forms
more ingenious comparative, most ingenious superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She came up with an _____ solution using just two paperclips.
Etymology
From Latin ingeniosus, "gifted with genius," from ingenium, "natural talent."
Rhymes for ingenious
See all rhymes for ingenious →Frequently asked questions
What does “ingenious” mean?
The word “ingenious” means clever and inventive; showing a smart, original way of solving a problem. In plain terms, describes a clever, original idea, invention, or person.
How do you pronounce “ingenious”?
“Ingenious” is pronounced ihn-JEEN-yuhs (/ɪnˈd͡ʒiːnjəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “ingenious” in a sentence?
Here is “ingenious” used in a sentence: “She came up with an ingenious solution using just two paperclips.”
What part of speech is “ingenious”?
“Ingenious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ingenious” come from?
The word “ingenious” comes from Latin. From Latin ingeniosus, "gifted with genius," from ingenium, "natural talent.".
Is “ingenious” a common word?
“Ingenious” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.