WIT Meaning and
Definition
-
Wit refers to the ability to think and express oneself in a clever, amusing, and intellectually sharp manner. It encompasses the capacity to capture and communicate ideas or concepts in a humorous or insightful way, often involving quick thinking and verbal dexterity. Wit is commonly associated with intelligence, creativity, and a keen sense of humor.
Someone who possesses wit is capable of effectively using wordplay, puns, irony, sarcasm, and clever repartees to engage and entertain others. Their remarks or observations are typically characterized by their sharpness and wit often aims to surprise, amuse, or provoke thought. A wit can display an impressive command over language, exploiting various rhetorical techniques to achieve their intended effect, whether it is to evoke laughter or to convey a deeper meaning.
Wit can be found in various forms of creative expression, such as literature, theater, comedy, or everyday conversation. It is often celebrated and admired in individuals who possess the ability to combine intelligence with humor, as their wit adds a layer of entertainment and engagement to their interactions. Furthermore, wit can also serve as a tool for social commentary and satire, allowing individuals to address serious topics under the guise of humor and cleverness.
Overall, wit refers to the skillful use of language and humor to engage and entertain others, showcasing both intellectual ability and astuteness in communication.
-
• To be informed; to be known; used now only in the phrase to wit, signifying "namely," "that is to say"; also in a few compounds, as outwit.
• The power or faculty of knowing; understanding; intellect; the power of associating ideas in a manner new and unexpected, and so connected as to produce pleasant surprise; a man who excels in giving expression to unusual and striking ideas in such a manner as to create amusement or pleasant surprise; sound mind; ingenuity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WIT *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for WIT
Etymology of WIT
The word "wit" has an interesting etymology. It traces its roots back to the Old English word "witt", which originally meant "understanding" or "sense". This Old English term derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*witjan", meaning "to know" or "to see".
In Middle English, the word evolved to become "wit" and took on the additional sense of intelligence or cleverness. It was often associated with quick thinking, clever remarks, and a sharp sense of humor. This sense of the word has continued to the present day.
The word "wit" is also related to other similar terms in various Germanic languages, such as the German word "Witz" and the Dutch word "wetenschap", both of which mean "joke" or "wit".
Idioms with the word WIT
-
Attic wit
Attic wit is an idiom referring to a particular type of wit or humor characterized by its intellectual and clever nature. It originates from the ancient Greeks, who were known for their sophisticated and refined sense of humor. Attic refers to the region of Attica in Greece, which includes Athens, renowned for its cultural and intellectual achievements. Attic wit, therefore, conveys a subtle and polished form of humor that relies on wit, wordplay, and intellectual cleverness.
-
not be beyond the wit of man/sb
The idiom "not be beyond the wit of man/sb" means that something is not too difficult or impossible for human intelligence or ability to solve or accomplish. It implies that a person or people have the necessary knowledge, skills, or resources to tackle a particular problem or task successfully.
-
staircase wit
The idiom "staircase wit" refers to the phenomenon where a person thinks of a clever or witty response, remark, or comeback only after a conversation has ended or the opportunity has passed. It implies that individuals often come up with their best ideas when it's too late to use them. The term originates from the French phrase "esprit de l'escalier," which literally translates to "wit of the staircase."
-
to wit
The idiom "to wit" means to specify or make clear a particular point or example, usually after mentioning a general or broad statement. It is often used when highlighting or providing further explanation or details about something previously mentioned.
-
sharp wit
The idiom "sharp wit" refers to a person's quick and clever ability to think, understand, and respond in an intelligent and humorous manner. It implies that the individual possesses a keen sense of humor and the ability to make witty remarks or jokes with ease. A person with a sharp wit is typically known for their cleverness and quick thinking.
-
ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit
The idiom "An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit" means that it is more important to exercise caution and think carefully before saying or doing something, rather than relying solely on cleverness or intelligence. It implies that being prudent and cautious can prevent unnecessary trouble or complications, even if it means sacrificing quick wit or cleverness in certain situations.
-
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.
The idiom "Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit" implies that sarcasm is considered the least intelligent or sophisticated form of humor or wit. It suggests that using sarcasm may be seen as a cheap or uncreative way of expressing oneself humorously or critically.
-
sarcasm is the lowest form of wit/humour
The idiom "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit/humor" suggests that sarcastic remarks or jokes are considered to be the least sophisticated or clever form of wit or humor. It implies that using sarcasm often reflects a lack of originality or intelligence in one's attempts to be funny or make a point.
-
Brevity is the soul of wit.
The idiom "Brevity is the soul of wit" means that being concise and to the point is a sign of intelligence and cleverness. It suggests that by expressing oneself briefly and effectively, one can convey humor, wisdom, or profound thoughts in a more powerful and impactful manner.
-
wit's end
Being at your wit's end means to be so frustrated or exhausted that you are unable to think clearly or come up with a solution to a problem.
-
be at (one's) wit's end
To be at one's wit's end means to be extremely frustrated, puzzled, or exasperated by a problem or situation and feel at a loss for a solution.
-
at wit's end
The idiom "at wit's end" means to be extremely frustrated, confused, or exhausted, and unable to think clearly or come up with a solution to a problem.
-
at one's wit's end
The idiom "at one's wit's end" means to be completely perplexed or frustrated, having no idea what to do next or how to solve a problem.
-
half-wit
A half-wit is someone who is not very intelligent or clever, and lacks common sense.
-
at your wit's end
The idiom "at your wit's end" means to be extremely frustrated, distressed, or perplexed and to have exhausted all of one's ideas, resources, or patience in trying to solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation.
Similar spelling words for WIT
- width,
- withy,
- Witt,
- withee,
- withe,
- witte,
- wide,
- With,
- Wittie,
- withey,
- witty,
- widow.
Conjugate verb Wit
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have wist
you
would have wist
he/she/it
would have wist
we
would have wist
they
would have wist
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been witting
you
would have been witting
he/she/it
would have been witting
we
would have been witting
they
would have been witting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would wit
you
would wit
he/she/it
would wit
we
would wit
they
would wit
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be witting
you
would be witting
he/she/it
would be witting
we
would be witting
they
would be witting
FUTURE
I
will wit
you
will wit
he/she/it
will wit
we
will wit
they
will wit
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be witting
you
will be witting
he/she/it
will be witting
we
will be witting
they
will be witting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have wist
you
will have wist
he/she/it
will have wist
we
will have wist
they
will have wist
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been witting
you
will have been witting
he/she/it
will have been witting
we
will have been witting
they
will have been witting
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s wit
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was witting
you
were witting
he/she/it
was witting
we
were witting
they
were witting
PAST PARTICIPLE
wist
PAST PERFECT
I
had wist
you
had wist
he/she/it
had wist
we
had wist
they
had wist
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been witting
you
had been witting
he/she/it
had been witting
we
had been witting
they
had been witting
PRESENT
I
wot
you
wit
he/she/it
wot
we
wit
they
wit
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am witting
you
are witting
he/she/it
is witting
we
are witting
they
are witting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
witting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have wist
you
have wist
he/she/it
has wist
we
have wist
they
have wist
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been witting
you
have been witting
he/she/it
has been witting
we
have been witting
they
have been witting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
I
wit
he/she/it
wit
SIMPLE PAST
I
wist
you
wist
he/she/it
wist
we
wist
they
wist
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
