wit

/wɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɪt] /wɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɪt] /ˈwit/ (ame, mw)

wit — 名詞

  • witsingular
  • witsplural

1. The quality of being able to express ideas in a way that is both clever and amus

1.名詞B2
釋義

機智；詼諧

用語言展現的幽默與聰明

The quality of being able to express ideas in a way that is both clever and amusing, especially through unexpected or skilful use of language.

例句

Diya's sharp wit kept the dinner guests laughing all evening.

Diya 的機智讓晚餐客人整晚笑個不停。

possessive + adjective + wit as subject

The film was praised for the dry wit of its dialogue.

這部電影因其對白中的冷面詼諧而受到好評。

collocation: dry wit

同義詞
  • humour

    Broader term — humour can mean the quality of being funny in any way; wit specifically involves clever use of language.

  • cleverness

    Focuses on intelligence rather than humour; a clever remark may not be funny, but a witty one usually is.

  • sarcasm

    A specific form of wit that uses irony to criticise or mock; not all wit is sarcastic.

反義詞
  • dullness

    Lack of liveliness or sharpness in expression.

用法筆記

Frequently modified by adjectives that describe the type of humor: 'dry wit,' 'sharp wit,' 'quick wit.' Unlike 'humour,' which can describe a situation, 'wit' nearly always describes a person's quality or the character of something they create.

常見錯誤

❌She has a good wit about everything.
✅She has a good sense of humour about everything.
💡'wit' is uncountable and not normally preceded by 'a' in this sense.
❌His wits were very funny.
✅His wit was very funny.
💡Using the plural form 'wits' for the ability to be funny is incorrect; 'wits' refers to quick thinking, not humour.

2. Someone naturally gifted at making clever and amusing remarks, especially in con

2.名詞C1
釋義

風趣的人

擅長說出機智妙語的人

Someone naturally gifted at making clever and amusing remarks, especially in conversation or public speaking.

例句

The famous writer was known as a brilliant wit in London literary circles.

那位知名作家在倫敦文學圈中被譽為絕頂風趣的人。

countable: a [adjective] wit

Haruto, a local wit, always had a clever response ready at the village meetings.

Haruto 算是當地的一位風趣人士，村裡開會時他總能機智接話。

同義詞
  • comedian

    A professional performer whose job is to make people laugh; a wit may simply be a clever person in social conversation.

  • joker

    More informal; a joker plays pranks or tells simple jokes, whereas a wit makes smart, verbal comments.

用法筆記

This sense is mainly found in formal or literary writing, or when describing historical or famous figures. In everyday speech, 'a funny person' or 'someone who is very witty' is far more common.

3. The natural ability to think clearly, react quickly, and make good decisions in

3.名詞B2
釋義

急智；機敏

快速思考和隨機應變的能力

The natural ability to think clearly, react quickly, and make good decisions in a difficult or unexpected situation.

例句

Liam had the wit to call an ambulance as soon as he saw the accident.

Liam 在目睹事故後立刻想到叫救護車。

wit + to + infinitive: had the wit to

Saira kept her wits about her during the blackout and found candles for the children.

停電期間她保持警覺，為孩子們找到了蠟燭。

idiom: keep one's wits about one

同義詞
  • intelligence

    Broader and more formal; intelligence includes general mental ability, whereas wit in this sense emphasises speed and practical judgment.

  • resourcefulness

    Focuses on finding clever solutions; close in meaning to 'wits' when used in the plural.

  • shrewdness

    Emphasises practical, often self-interested judgment; wit here is broader and less calculating.

反義詞

文法句型

wit + to + infinitive

用法筆記

The singular form ('had the wit to…') focuses on a single act of intelligent judgement. The plural 'wits' ('keep your wits about you') suggests an ongoing state of alertness. Many common idioms use the plural form (see idioms below).

常見錯誤

❌I need all my wit to solve this problem.
✅I need all my wits to solve this problem.
💡When referring to mental sharpness or resourcefulness, the plural 'wits' is the standard form.
❌He didn't have the wits to refuse the offer.
✅He didn't have the wit to refuse the offer.
💡The pattern 'have the wit to do something' uses the singular form.

4. A short, clever, and amusing comment made during a conversation — a witty line o

4.名詞C1
釋義

妙語

對話中簡短而風趣的評論

A short, clever, and amusing comment made during a conversation — a witty line or quip.

例句

Élise ended the debate with a perfectly timed wit that drew applause from the audience.

Élise 以一則恰到好處的妙語結束了辯論，贏得全場掌聲。

countable: a [adverb] wit

The play is full of sharp wits exchanged between the two main characters.

這部戲中充滿了兩位主角之間一來一往的機鋒妙語。

plural: wits = witty remarks

同義詞
  • quip

    A single witty remark; more informal than 'wit' in this sense.

  • witticism

    A formal word for a clever or funny comment; slightly more literary than 'wit.'

  • one-liner

    A very short joke or clever comment, typical of stand-up comedy.