English Reference
Noun

cleverness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɫɛvɝnəs/ UK /klˈɛvənəs/ clev·er·ness UK spelling clevernesses

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.


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.


From clever + -ness.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated