adj.
Pronunciation: ' kle-v ə r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English cliver, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish dialect kl ø ver alert, skillful
Date: circa 1595
1 a : skillful or adroit in using the hands or body : NIMBLE < clever fingers> b : mentally quick and resourceful <a clever young lawyer>
2 : marked by wit or ingenuity <a clever solution> <a clever idea>
3 dialect a : GOOD b : easy to use or handle
– clev · er · ish \ -v( ə -)rish \ adjective
– clev · er · ly \ -v ə r-l ē \ adverb
– clev · er · ness \ -v ə r-n ə s \ noun
synonyms CLEVER , ADROIT , CUNNING , INGENIOUS mean having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving. CLEVER stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude <a person clever with horses>. ADROIT often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties <an adroit negotiator>. CUNNING implies great skill in constructing or creating <a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects>. INGENIOUS suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something <an ingenious software engineer>. synonym see in addition INTELLIGENT