English Reference

Word

smart

Phoneticssmart

US/ˈsmɑɹt/

UK/smˈɑːt/

Definitions

01intelligent

A1 · Beginner

adj. intelligent or clever; able to learn and understand things quickly.

adj. possessing or showing a high degree of mental ability or intelligence.

“She is the smartest student in our mathematics class.”

“The recruitment team is looking for smart, adaptable candidates who can navigate the complexities of the modern tech landscape.”

Antonyms

02well-dressed

B1 · Intermediate British English

adj. wearing clean, tidy, and fashionable clothes.

adj. neat, trim, and stylish in appearance or dress; often implies a formal or professional register.

“You look very smart in that new suit you bought for the wedding.”

“The restaurant maintains a strict dress code, requiring guests to appear in smart attire for the evening service.”

Synonyms

stylishelegantwell-dressed

Antonyms

03technologically advanced

B1 · Intermediate Computing

adj. describes a device that uses computers or the internet to work in an 'intelligent' way.

adj. referring to devices or systems that incorporate diagnostic or interactive computer technology.

“We installed a smart thermostat to help save money on our heating bills.”

“The integration of smart technology into urban infrastructure allows for real-time monitoring of traffic patterns and energy consumption.”

04disrespectful

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

adj. showing intelligence in a way that is rude or lacks respect.

adj. characterised by a sharp, often insolent or sarcastic wit.

“Don't get smart with me or you will be in trouble.”

“The teenager's smart remarks during the assembly resulted in a week of detention for disruptive behaviour.”

Antonyms

05to sting

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to feel a sharp, stinging pain.

v. to experience or cause a sharp, pungent physical or emotional pain.

“My eyes were smarting from the smoke of the campfire.”

“The team was still smarting from their unexpected defeat in the final minutes of the championship match.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

06stinging pain

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary

n. a sharp, stinging physical or mental pain.

n. a quick, lively, or pungent pain; often used figuratively for mental distress.

“He felt the smart of the cold wind against his cheeks.”

“Years later, she could still feel the smart of the rejection she suffered during her early career.”

Synonyms

stingtwingeache

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “smart” in context.

Verb

01. dress smart

“Employees are expected to dress smart for the annual conference.”

verb + adj

02. look smart

“You look very smart in your new suit for the interview.”

verb + adj

Adjective

03. incredibly smart

“She is incredibly smart and finished the difficult puzzle in five minutes.”

adv + adj

04. smart clothes

“I need to buy some smart clothes for my cousin's wedding.”

adj + noun

05. smart enough to understand

“He was smart enough to understand the instructions without any help.”

adj + infinitive

Noun

06. smart phone

“Most people use a smart phone to check their emails while traveling.”

adj + noun

Usage

Gradable adjective — often follows a linking verb like 'look' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

He is a smart person for his age.

He is smart for his age.

While 'smart person' is correct, learners often over-rely on the noun 'person' when the adjective alone is more natural in English.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Smart(B1)

Idioms

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/smart

English Reference