# witty

/ˈwɪti/ (US) · /wˈɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/witty
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. clever and funny

adjective · CEFR B2

using words in a clever and funny way.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. intelligent or wise

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

having a sharp mind or good judgment.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She made a witty remark about the weather.
- The comedian delivered a witty observation about modern dating apps.
- His witty repartee during the debate impressed the judges, who valued both his intelligence and his ability to think on his feet.

---

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.