Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a clever manner; with intelligence, skill, or ingenuity: Performing an action in a way that shows mental sharpness, inventiveness, or adroitness.
   • In a way that is effective and shows good judgment: Performing an action in a manner that is shrewdly or practically effective.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:
  • The puzzle pieces were cleverly designed to fit together in multiple ways.
  • She cleverly avoided answering the difficult question by changing the subject.
  • He cleverly invested his savings and doubled his money in a year.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe a solution or method that is ingeniously simple or effective:
  • The drainage system was cleverly integrated into the garden's design, making it both functional and invisible.
• Can sometimes imply a sense of cunning or slyness, depending on context:
  • The spy cleverly disguised himself as a hotel porter.

Variants and Related Words

• Clever (adjective): Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent; skillful.
  • She is a clever student who always finds innovative solutions.
• Cleverness (noun): The quality of being clever; intelligence or ingenuity.
  • The cleverness of the app's design won it several awards.

Synonyms

• Intelligently: In a way that shows intelligence and good judgment.
• Ingeniously: In a clever, original, and inventive manner.
• Shrewdly: With sharp powers of judgment; astutely.
• Skillfully: With skill or dexterity.
• Adroitly: In a manner that is clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.

Antonyms

• Clumsily: In an awkward and careless way.
• Stupidly: In a foolish or unintelligent manner.
• Ineptly: Without skill or aptitude.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To think on one's feet: To react to events quickly and effectively without prior planning. This is a related concept describing a type of clever action.
  • During the debate, she had to think on her feet and cleverly rebut each unexpected argument.
• A clever trick: A cunning or ingenious act intended to deceive or achieve a goal.
  • The magician's most clever trick was making the entire audience disappear from their seats.

Adverb

1. in a clever manner
   • they were cleverly arranged
   • a smartly managed business