Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Clever"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Clever \Clev"er\, a. [Origin uncertain. Cf. OE. cliver eager,
AS. clyfer (in comp.) cloven; or clifer a claw, perh.
connected with E. cleave to divide, split, the meaning of E.
clever perh. coming from the idea of grasping, seizing (with
the mind).]
1. Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity,
talent, or adroitness; expert.
Though there were many clever men in England during
the latter half of the seventeenth century, there
were only two great creative minds. --Macaulay.
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.
--C. Kingsley.
2. Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a
clever speech; a clever trick. --Byron.
3. Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.
``T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs
forever. --Swift.
4. Well-shaped; handsome. ``The girl was a tight, clever
wench as any was.'' --Arbuthnot.
5. Good-natured; obliging. [U. S.]
Syn: See {Smart}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
clever
adj 1: skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends; "cool
prudence and sensitive selfishness along with quick
perception of what is possible--these distinguish an
adroit politician"; "came up with a clever story"; "an
ingenious press agent"; "an ingenious scheme" [syn: {adroit},
{ingenious}]
2: showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others;
"a cagey lawyer"; "too clever to be sound" [syn: {cagey},
{cagy}, {canny}]
3: mentally quick and resourceful; "an apt pupil"; "you are a
clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold"-Bram
Stoker [syn: {apt}]
4: showing inventiveness and skill; "a clever gadget"; "the
cunning maneuvers leading to his success""; "an ingenious
solution to the problem" [syn: {cunning}, {ingenious}]
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