adj., v., n., & adv.
--adj.
1. a clever; ingenious; quickwitted (a smart talker; gave a smart answer). b keen in bargaining; quick to take advantage. c (of transactions etc.) unscrupulous to the point of dishonesty.
2 well-groomed; neat; bright and fresh in appearance (a smart suit).
3 in good repair; showing bright colours, new paint, etc. (a smart red bicycle).
4 stylish; fashionable; prominent in society (in all the smart restaurants; the smart set).
5 quick; brisk (set a smart pace).
6 painfully severe; sharp; vigorous (a smart blow).
--v.intr.
1. (of a person or a part of the body) feel or give acute pain or distress (my eye smarts; smarting from the insult).
2 (of an insult, grievance, etc.) rankle.
3 (foll. by for) suffer the consequences of (you will smart for this).
--n. a bodily or mental sharp pain; a stinging sensation.
--adv. smartly; in a smart manner.
Phrases and idioms:
look smart make haste. smart-arse (or -ass) SMART ALEC. smart-money
1. money paid or exacted as a penalty or compensation.
2 money invested by persons with expert knowledge.
Derivatives:
smartingly adv. smartish adj. & adv. smartly adv. smartness n.
Etymology: OE smeart, smeortan