Definition of: clever

(klev′ər) adjective
1. Ready and adroit with hand or brain; dexterous; capable; quick–witted; talented.
2. U.S. Dial. Good–natured; obliging.
3. U.S. Dial. Finely built; well–trained, as a horse.
4. Dial. Honest.
5. Obs. Handy; convenient; agreeable. [Cf. ME cliver adroit]
—clev′er·ly adverb
—clev′er·ness noun Synonyms: able, adroit, apt, bright, capable, dexterous, expert, gifted, happy, ingenious, intellectual, intelligent, keen, knowing, quick, quick–witted, sharp, skilful, smart, talented. Clever, as used in England, implies an aptitude for study or learning, and for excellent while not preeminent mental achievement. The early New England usage as implying simple and weak good nature has largely affected the use of the word throughout the United States. Smart, indicating dashing ability, is now coming to have a suggestion of unscrupulousness, similar to that of the word sharp. The discriminating use of such words as able, gifted, talented, etc., is preferable to an excessive use of the word clever. Compare ABILITY, ACUMEN, BRIGHT, INTELLIGENT, KNOWING. Antonyms: awkward, bungling, clumsy, dull, foolish, idiotic, ignorant, senseless, slow, stupid, thick–headed, witless.