Word
cleverness
Phoneticsclev·er·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɛvɝnəs/
UK/klˈɛvənəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability to learn and understand things quickly. It also describes the use of skill and intelligence to solve problems or trick people.
n. the quality of being quick to learn and understand; the capacity for intelligent thought and problem-solving. Often implies a degree of wit or the ability to outmaneuver others through mental agility.
Examples
“Her cleverness helped her solve the difficult puzzle.”
“The detective's cleverness allowed him to find the hidden evidence that the other officers had missed.”
“While raw intelligence is often celebrated in academic circles, it is the cleverness of applying that knowledge to real-world constraints that truly defines a successful leader.”
Examples
simple
“Her cleverness helped her solve the difficult puzzle.”
contextual
“The detective's cleverness allowed him to find the hidden evidence that the other officers had missed.”
complex
“While raw intelligence is often celebrated in academic circles, it is the cleverness of applying that knowledge to real-world constraints that truly defines a successful leader.”
Real-World Examples
“Spalletti later said he had been praising Pisacane for his player’s cleverness at time-wasting.” Etymology
From clever + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/cleverness