clever Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
    cagy; canny; cagey.
    • a cagey lawyer
    • too clever to be sound
  2. adjective satellite mentally quick and resourceful
    apt.
    • an apt pupil
    • you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold"-Bram Stoker
  3. adjective satellite showing inventiveness and skill
    ingenious; cunning.
    • a clever gadget
    • the cunning maneuvers leading to his success
    • an ingenious solution to the problem

WordNet

Clev"er adjective
Etymology
Origin uncertain. Cf. OE. cliver eager, AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh. connected with E. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of E. clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with the mind).
Definitions
  1. Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert.
    Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds. Macaulay.
    Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever. C. Kingsley.
  2. Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick. Byron.
  3. Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.
    "T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs forever. Swift.
  4. Well-shaped; handsome. "The girl was a tight, clever wench as any was." Arbuthnot.
  5. Good-natured; obliging. U. S. Syn. -- See Smart.

Webster 1913