clever

UK: /ˈklɛvə^r/ US: /ˈklɛvɚ/ ,(klev′ər)

Inflections of 'clever' (adj):

cleverer

adj comparative

cleverest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

clev•er /ˈklɛvɚ/   adj., -er, -est. 

1. mentally bright;
   having quick intelligence;
   able:
   a clever student in his class.
2. skillful with the hands or body;
   dexterous or nimble:
   She was very clever with her hands, especially at woodworking.
3. skillful in a dishonest way;
   cunning:
   a clever scheme to get around the regulations.
4. showing inventiveness or originality;
   ingenious:
   a clever idea.

clev•er•ly, adv.: 

was cleverly led into a trap.

clev•er•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

clev•er  (klev′ər), adj., -er, -est. 

1. mentally bright;
   having sharp or quick intelligence;
   able.
2. superficially skillful, witty, or original in character or construction;
   facile:
   It was an amusing, clever play, but of no lasting value.
3. showing inventiveness or originality;
   ingenious:
   His clever device was the first to solve the problem.
4. adroit with the hands or body;
   dexterous or nimble.
5. [Older Use.]
   • suitable;
     convenient;
     satisfactory.
   • good-natured.
   • handsome.
   • in good health.

• Middle English cliver, akin to Old English clifer claw, clife burdock. See cleavers 1175–1225

clev′er•ish, adj. 
clev′er•ish•ly, adv. 
clev′er•ly, adv. 
clev′er•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. ingenious, talented, quick-witted; smart, gifted; apt, expert.
• 4. skillful, agile, handy.

Antonyms

• 1. stupid.
• 4. clumsy.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

clever / ˈklɛvə/ adjective

1. displaying sharp intelligence or mental alertness
2. adroit or dexterous, esp with the hands
3. smart in a superficial way
4. sly; cunning

Etymology: 13th Century cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin

ˈcleverly adverb

ˈcleverness noun