Definition

Noun 1. Mental sharpness and intelligence; the ability to think and reason quickly and effectively. Refers to the natural capacity for intelligent thought, perception, and sound judgment, especially in practical situations. 2. (One's wits) One's mental faculties or sanity. Used to describe the state of a person's mind, often in the context of being frightened or confused.

Usage

• The singular form "wit" is used to refer to the quality of being clever or to a person known for clever humor.
• The plural form "wits" is almost always used to refer to mental sharpness or one's mental faculties as a whole. It is commonly found in set phrases.

Examples

• Noun (Mental sharpness):
  • She survived in the wilderness by using her wits and knowledge of plants.
  • The puzzle was a real test of my wits.
• Noun (One's mental faculties):
  • The sudden noise frightened me out of my wits.
  • He gathered his wits and answered the difficult question calmly.

Advanced Usage

• "to be at one's wits' end": To be so worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next.
  • I've tried everything to fix this leak, and I'm at my wits' end.
• "to have/keep one's wits about one": To be or remain alert and able to think quickly, especially in a dangerous or difficult situation.
  • Walking through the busy market, you need to keep your wits about you.
• "to live by one's wits": To survive using intelligence and cleverness, often without having a regular job or much money.
  • As a young traveler, he lived by his wits, taking odd jobs wherever he went.

Variants and Related Words

• Wit (noun): 1. The ability to use words in a clever and humorous way. 2. A person who has this ability.
  • Her conversation was full of wit and charm.
• Witty (adjective): Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.
  • He made a witty remark that made everyone laugh.
• Half-wit (noun): A foolish or stupid person (offensive).
• Quick-witted (adjective): Showing or characterized by an ability to think or respond quickly and effectively.
  • The quick-witted student solved the problem before anyone else.

Synonyms

• Intelligence: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
• Sense: Sound practical judgment.
• Sanity: The ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

Idioms Related

• "Scare/frighten someone out of their wits": To terrify someone.
  • The horror movie scared me out of my wits.
• "Battle of wits": A situation where people try to defeat each other using their intelligence.
  • The negotiation turned into a battle of wits between the two lawyers.

Noun

1. the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception
   • he used his wits to get ahead
   • I was scared out of my wits
   • he still had all his marbles and was in full possession of a lively mind