smart
Smart (adjective) means Intelligent; quick to learn or understand. Example: “She's smart enough to figure out the problem on her own.”
How to use smart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClever, or (in British English especially) well-dressed; also, as a verb, to sting painfully.
British English uses "smart" for stylish dress more than American English, which leans on "sharp" or "dressed up."
Word forms
smarter comparative, smarted past tense, smort past tense, smorten past tense, smarts singular, smartest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's _____ enough to figure out the problem on her own.
Etymology
From Old English "smeortan," meaning to feel a sharp, stinging pain — the sense of "intelligent" developed later from the idea of a sharp, quick mind.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for smart
See all rhymes for smart →Frequently asked questions
What does “smart” mean?
The word “smart” means intelligent; quick to learn or understand. In plain terms, clever, or (in British English especially) well-dressed; also, as a verb, to sting painfully.
How do you pronounce “smart”?
“Smart” is pronounced smaht (/smɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “smart” in a sentence?
Here is “smart” used in a sentence: “She's smart enough to figure out the problem on her own.”
What part of speech is “smart”?
Depending on how it is used, “smart” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “smart” come from?
The word “smart” comes from Old English. From Old English "smeortan," meaning to feel a sharp, stinging pain — the sense of "intelligent" developed later from the idea of a sharp, quick mind.
Is “smart” a common word?
“Smart” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “smart” have?
“Smart” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: intelligent; quick to learn or understand.
What is the difference between smart and intelligent?
The words overlap heavily, but smart often suggests quick, practical, street-wise thinking — reacting cleverly in the moment. Intelligent tends to point to deeper mental capacity: reasoning, learning, and understanding complex ideas. Someone can be book-smart yet lack common sense, so smart is frequently the more everyday, flexible compliment of the two.
What is the difference between smart and wise?
Being smart is about mental sharpness — learning quickly and solving problems. Being wise is about good judgment, usually built from experience and reflection. A smart person finds a clever answer fast; a wise person knows which answer is right and when to act. You can be very smart without yet being wise.
Does 'smart' also mean well-dressed?
Yes. In British English especially, smart describes a neat, stylish, put-together appearance — a smart suit, or dressing smartly for an interview. Venues may enforce a 'smart casual' dress code. This clothing sense sits alongside the main meaning of intelligent, and the surrounding context makes clear which one is intended.
Is calling someone smart a compliment?
Usually, yes. Describing someone as smart normally praises their intelligence, quick thinking, or good sense. Tone matters, though: said sarcastically, 'very smart' can mock a bad decision, and calling a child a 'smart mouth' means cheeky or disrespectful. In its plain, straightforward sense, however, smart is a positive word.
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