clever

Able to understand things quickly and think well.

• She's a clever child.
• He was clever enough to solve the puzzle.
• Your daughter is much cleverer than I was at her age.

Similar words: smart, intelligent, bright

Opposites: stupid

Common phrases: clever child, very clever, clever student

Showing a new or unusual way to do something well.

• That's a clever idea.
• The box has a clever folding design.
• They found an even cleverer solution to the problem.

Similar words: ingenious, inventive, smart

Common phrases: clever idea, clever design, clever solution

Good at finding smart ways to get what you want or solve problems.

• He's a clever negotiator.
• She was clever enough to find another way out.
• The clever thief tricked the guard into opening the gate.

How to use it: clever at doing something (She's clever at getting people to agree with her.)

Similar words: resourceful, shrewd, canny

Common phrases: clever negotiator, clever operator, clever at something

Good at making or doing things with your hands or body.

• She's clever with a needle.
• My brother is clever at making furniture.
• His clever fingers quickly repaired the tiny watch.

How to use it: clever with something (She's clever with her hands and makes beautiful wooden toys.); clever at doing something (He's clever at repairing old clocks.)

Similar words: skilful, dexterous, adept

Opposites: clumsy

Common phrases: clever with tools, clever with something, clever hands