The word 'clever' is spelled with five letters: c-l-e-v-e-r. The pronunciation of the word is /‘klɛvə(r)/, with stress on the first syllable. The first sound is a voiceless consonant /k/, followed by an open mid front vowel /ɛ/. The second syllable has a central voiced consonant /v/ and a short ‘e’ like vowel /ə/. The final syllable has a post-alveolar, voiced obstruent /r/. This spelling is used in both British and American English with no differences in spelling or pronunciation.
"Clever" is an adjective that describes someone or something that exhibits intelligence, quick thinking, and inventiveness. It refers to a person's ability to come up with creative solutions, often expressed through skillful and astute problem-solving abilities.
When applied to individuals, "clever" often implies a high level of mental acuity, wit, and resourcefulness. Clever people possess a knack for finding innovative approaches, whether in academic, professional, or personal areas of life. They tend to have a sharp intellect and are capable of thinking critically and analytically. Cleverness is often associated with adaptability and the ability to quickly grasp complex ideas or situations.
In relation to objects or ideas, "clever" points to their ingenious or imaginative design and construction. Such creations often showcase innovative, unconventional, or unexpected features that bring about increased functionality, efficiency, or delight.
The term "clever" is sometimes used interchangeably with terms like intelligent, brilliant, or smart, but it carries a distinct connotation of sharpness and ingenuity that sets it apart. Cleverness doesn't necessarily denote knowledge or expertise in a specific field or subject; instead, it emphasizes the ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions in various contexts.
In summary, "clever" describes individuals or objects that possess sharp intellect, resourcefulness, and imaginative problem-solving capabilities. It emphasizes the ability to think quickly and find innovative solutions, making it a highly prized trait in many areas of life.
Skilful; ingenious; smart; not dull; ready.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "clever" is believed to have originated in the mid-14th century from the Middle English word "cliver", which meant "skillful" or "expert". The etymology of "cliver" is thought to have come from the Old English word "clifer", meaning "able or skillful". Over time, "cliver" evolved into "clever", maintaining its original sense of being skillful or adept.