English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

wits

wihts

Wits (noun) means a person's mental sharpness or ability to think and react quickly, especially under pressure. Example: “She kept her wits about her during the emergency.”

noun
1
A person's mental sharpness or ability to think and react quickly, especially under pressure.
"She kept her wits about her during the emergency."
"He was scared out of his wits."

How to use wits

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishYour ability to think clearly and react quickly, especially in a tough moment.

Common pairings
keep your wits about you scared out of your wits live by your wits
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “wits” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She kept her _____ about her during the emergency.

Rhymes for wits

See all rhymes for wits →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wits” mean?

The word “wits” means a person's mental sharpness or ability to think and react quickly, especially under pressure. In plain terms, your ability to think clearly and react quickly, especially in a tough moment.

How do you pronounce “wits”?

“Wits” is pronounced wihts (/wɪts/ in IPA).

How do you use “wits” in a sentence?

Here is “wits” used in a sentence: “She kept her wits about her during the emergency.”

What part of speech is “wits”?

“Wits” is a noun.

Is “wits” a common word?

“Wits” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial