Definition

1. Noun:
   • Intelligence; the ability to think and reason quickly and clearly. This refers to a person's natural mental sharpness and understanding.
   • A witty person; someone who is clever and amusing. This refers to an individual known for their quick and humorous intelligence.
   • A witty remark; a cleverly amusing expression. This refers to the specific product of a witty mind—a joke or comment that is both intelligent and funny.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Intelligence):
  • She had the wit to see the solution immediately.
  • He survived the ordeal by using his native wit.
• Noun (A witty person):
  • The famous author was known as a great wit.
  • The party was full of artists and wits.
• Noun (A witty remark):
  • His speech was full of sharp wit.
  • She responded with a quick wit that made everyone laugh.

Advanced Usage

• "To wit": An archaic or formal phrase meaning "that is to say" or "namely," used to introduce a specific example or clarification.
  • The company has one major problem, to wit, a lack of funding.
• "At one's wit's end": To be so worried or annoyed by a problem that you do not know what to do next.
  • I've tried everything to fix the computer; I'm at my wit's end.
• "To have/keep one's wits about one": To be alert and able to think quickly, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation.
  • You need to keep your wits about you when driving in this storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Witty (adjective): Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.
  • She is known for her witty observations.
• Witticism (noun): A clever and amusing remark.
  • He entertained the crowd with a series of witticisms.
• Half-wit (noun): A foolish or stupid person (derogatory).
  • Don't be such a half-wit; look where you're going!

Synonyms

• Intelligence: Cleverness, intellect, brains, sharpness.
• Humor: Repartee, banter, drollery.
• A witty person: Humorist, comedian, wag.

Related Phrases

• "Battle of wits": A situation where people try to defeat each other using intelligence rather than force.
  • The negotiation turned into a battle of wits.
• "Scare someone out of their wits": To frighten someone very much.
  • The sudden noise scared me out of my wits.

Noun

1. a witty amusing person who makes jokes
2. mental ability
   • he's got plenty of brains but no common sense
3. a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter