# wit

/ˈwɪt/ (US) · /wˈɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wit
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. clever humor

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to say things that are both clever and funny.

For teachers: the capacity for inventive thought and quick understanding, expressed in a manner that is both ingenious and amusing.

- The comedian was famous for his quick wit and ability to handle difficult audiences.
- The playwright was celebrated for her sharp wit, often using subtle wordplay to critique the social norms of her era.

### 2. intelligence or common sense

noun · CEFR B2

your ability to think quickly and make sensible decisions.

For teachers: mental sharpness and the practical intelligence required to act effectively in a given situation.

- He had the wit to realize that the deal was too good to be true.
- In a crisis, she always kept her wits about her, making calm decisions while everyone else panicked.

### 4. a clever person

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person who is known for making clever and funny remarks.

For teachers: a person characterized by inventive humor and sharp intelligence.

- She was known as a great wit in the local literary circles.
- As a celebrated wit of the eighteenth century, his company was highly sought after at every fashionable dinner party.

### 5. to know

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

an old word meaning to know or to be aware of something.

For teachers: to be aware of or to know; survives primarily in the fixed expression 'to wit'.

- The contract specified the delivery date, to wit, the first of June.
- The defendant was charged with three specific violations, to wit: speeding, reckless driving, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Usage: Almost exclusively found in the legal or formal phrase 'to wit', meaning 'namely'.

## Examples

- She is famous for her quick wit and funny stories.
- The talk show host relied on his sharp wit to keep the conversation lively even when his guests were quiet.
- The playwright was celebrated for a dry, biting wit that exposed the hypocrisies of high society through perfectly timed dialogue and subtle wordplay.

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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.