Word
witty
Phoneticswit·ty, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪti/
UK/wˈɪti/
Definitions
01clever and funny
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. using words in a clever and funny way.
adj. characterised by quick and inventive verbal humour.
“He gave a witty speech at the wedding that made everyone laugh.”
“The playwright was celebrated for her witty dialogue, which managed to be both intellectually stimulating and genuinely hilarious.”
Antonyms
02intelligent or wise
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. having a sharp mind or good judgment.
adj. possessing a strong intellect or intellectual capacity; insightful.
“The old stories describe him as a witty man who could solve any puzzle.”
“In the seventeenth-century text, the author refers to the 'witty' architect, meaning one who possesses great technical skill and ingenuity.”
Usage
In modern English, this sense has been almost entirely replaced by 'clever' or 'intelligent'.
Teaching tip
Learners will mostly encounter this sense in historical literature or Shakespearean plays; in modern conversation, 'witty' always implies humour.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“He’s athletic, bright and witty, but he doesn’t have superpowers.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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