# cleverness

/ˈkɫɛvɝnəs/ (US) · /klˈɛvənəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cleverness
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

the ability to learn and understand things quickly. It also describes the use of skill and intelligence to solve problems or trick people.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.