[clev.er] adj [ME cliver, perh. of Scand origin; akin to Dan dial. klover alert, skillful] (ca. 1595) 1 a: skillful or adroit in using the hands or body: nimble b: mentally quick and resourceful but often lacking in depth and soundness
2: marked by wit or ingenuity 3 dial a: good b: easy to use or handle -- clev.er.ish adj -- clev.er.ly adv -- clev.er.ness n syn 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". syn see in addition intelligent