clever

/ˈklevə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklevər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkle-vər/ (ame, mw)

clever — adjective

  • cleverpositive
  • cleverercomparative
  • cleverestsuperlative

1. quick to learn new ideas and find answers to problems, especially in classroom o

1.形容詞A1
釋義

quick to learn new ideas and find answers to problems, especially in classroom or everyday situations

例句

Rohan is a clever boy who always finishes his maths homework before dinner.

collocation: clever boy / clever student

That was a clever question from the new student in science class.

同義詞
  • intelligent

    more formal and often suggests a high natural ability to understand complex ideas

  • bright

    informal, often used for children; suggests quick understanding and alertness

  • smart

    common in American English; similar meaning but can also imply practical judgement

反義詞
  • stupid

    lacking the ability to learn or understand things quickly

  • slow

    informal; taking a long time to understand

文法句型

clever at (doing) something

clever of someone to do something

常見錯誤

❌She is clever at to solve puzzles.
✅She is clever at solving puzzles.
💡after 'clever at', use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
❌He is clever to got the answer right.
✅He is clever to get the answer right.
💡after 'clever of someone to...', the infinitive uses the base verb.

2. having good control and skill when using your hands or body to make, repair, or

2.形容詞A2
釋義

having good control and skill when using your hands or body to make, repair, or handle things

例句

Aiko is clever with a sewing needle and can make her own clothes.

pattern: clever with + tool/instrument

The carpenter made clever cuts in the wood to fit the pieces together.

同義詞
  • skilful

    the most direct synonym; can be used for both physical and mental ability

  • dexterous

    more formal; specifically describes skilful use of the hands

反義詞
  • clumsy

    moving or handling things in an awkward, careless way

文法句型

clever with (hands/fingers/tools)

用法筆記

This sense focuses on physical dexterity rather than mental ability. The subject is typically a person, and the object of 'with' is a body part, a tool, or a material.

常見錯誤

❌She is clever at her hands.
✅She is clever with her hands.
💡use 'with' for body parts and tools, not 'at'.

3. showing intelligence and originality in the way something is designed, built, or

3.形容詞B1
釋義

showing intelligence and originality in the way something is designed, built, or thought out, so that it works well or solves a problem efficiently

例句

The engineer showed us a clever device that turns ocean waves into electricity.

collocation: clever device / clever design

Priya found a clever way to store all the kitchen tools in a small cabinet.

同義詞
  • ingenious

    very similar in meaning but slightly stronger; suggests rare and impressive creativity

  • inventive

    focuses on the creativity and newness of the idea or design

反義詞
  • clumsy

    badly designed or awkward to use

用法筆記

Used about objects, ideas, methods, or solutions — not about people. If describing a person, use sense 1 or 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌The mechanic is a clever device.
✅The mechanic built a clever device.
💡this sense describes the design, not the person.

4. using words in a quick, intelligent way that sounds amusing but lacks sincerity,

4.形容詞B2
釋義

using words in a quick, intelligent way that sounds amusing but lacks sincerity, respect, or seriousness — often giving a negative impression

例句

Tomás made a clever joke about the teacher's mistake, but it was not polite.

disapproving register — clever remark showing lack of respect

The lawyer gave clever answers to every question, but nobody trusted his words.

同義詞
  • glib

    speaking easily and fluently but without sincerity; more negative than clever

  • cunning

    suggests cleverness used to deceive, often in a planned way

  • witty

    quick with amusing words; can be positive or negative depending on context

反義詞
  • sincere

    showing genuine feelings without trying to be smart or tricky

  • earnest

    showing serious and honest intentions

用法筆記

Often used to criticise someone who is being too smart in a tricky or annoying way. The tone is typically disapproving, especially in British English. Distinguish from sense 1: calling someone 'too clever by half' or 'a clever person' can imply they are trying to outsmart others rather than simply being intelligent.

常見錯誤

❌Using this sense in praise: 'She gave a clever speech' may be misinterpreted as sarcastic.
✅She gave a clever, well-researched speech' clarifies you mean sense 1.