cleverness
121clever — adjective Etymology: Middle English cliver, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish dialect kløver alert, skillful Date: circa 1595 1. a. skillful or adroit in using the hands or body ; nimble < clever fingers > …
122esprit — noun Etymology: French, from Old French espirit, Latin spiritus spirit Date: 1573 1. vivacious cleverness or wit 2. esprit de corps …
123handsome — adjective (handsomer; est) Etymology: Middle English handsom easy to manipulate Date: 1530 1. chiefly dialect appropriate, suitable 2. moderately large ; sizable < a painting that commanded a handsome price > 3 …
124ingenious — adjective Etymology: Middle English ingenyous, from Middle French ingenieus, from Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium natural capacity more at engine Date: 15th century 1. obsolete showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment 2.… …
125outwit — transitive verb ( witted; witting) Date: 1643 1. to get the better of by superior cleverness ; outsmart 2. archaic to surpass in wisdom …
126repartee — noun Etymology: French repartie, from repartir to retort, from Middle French, from re + partir to divide more at part Date: circa 1645 1. a. a quick and witty reply b. a succession or interchange of clever retorts ; amusing and usually light… …
127shrewd — adjective Etymology: Middle English shrewed, from shrewe + 1 ed Date: 13th century 1. archaic mischievous 2. obsolete abusive, shrewish 3. obsolete ominous, dangerous …
128smart aleck — also smart alec noun Etymology: Aleck, nickname for Alexander Date: 1865 an obnoxiously conceited and self assertive person with pretensions to smartness or cleverness • smart aleck adjective • smart alecky adjective …
