wit

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/wɪt/
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A noun for clever humor, a person skilled at it, or the older sense of intelligence and mental sharpness.

Examples

  • He was a charming wit, but not always kind.
  • He lacked the wit to see the danger.
  • Her dry wit made the whole room laugh.
  • The essay is full of sharp wit.
  • She became known as the office wit.

Similar words

ingenuity
mental sharpness
wisecracker
sharpness
joker
quip
clever humor
wisecrack
epigrammatist
wordplay

Meanings

Clever humor

noun
literary
neutral
The ability to say or write things that are clever, quick, and usually funny.

Examples

  • Her dry wit made the whole room laugh.
  • The essay is full of sharp wit.
  • He answered with quick wit and perfect timing.
  • The play combines sadness with sparkling wit.
  • A little wit can make criticism easier to hear.

Similar words

Person known for clever humor

noun
literary
neutral
A person who is known for making clever, quick, and often funny remarks.

Examples

  • Oscar Wilde is remembered as a great wit.
  • The dinner table always needed one good wit.
  • She became known as the office wit.
  • A famous wit once turned the insult into a joke.
  • He was a charming wit, but not always kind.

Similar words

Intelligence or mental sharpness

noun
everyday
neutral
Mental sharpness, intelligence, or practical sense, especially the ability to think quickly.

Examples

  • She had the wit to leave before the argument began.
  • It took some wit to solve the puzzle.
  • He lacked the wit to see the danger.
  • Use your wits and stay calm.
  • They survived by courage and wit.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old English witt, meaning understanding, intellect, knowledge, or consciousness. The older intelligence sense survives in wits, while the modern use developed toward clever humor.

FAQ

What does wit mean?

It can mean clever humor, a person skilled at clever humor, or intelligence and quick thinking.

Is wit the same as humor?

Not exactly. Humor is broader, while wit is usually clever, quick, well-phrased humor.

What does a wit mean?

A wit is a person known for clever, funny remarks.

What does use your wits mean?

It means use your intelligence, quick thinking, and practical judgment.

What is the adjective form of wit?

The adjective is witty.

What is a synonym for wit?

Depending on the sense, synonyms include clever humor, wordplay, repartee, intelligence, and quick thinking.

How do you use wit in a sentence?

For example: Her dry wit made the whole room laugh.

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