wits

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Explanation of the Word "Wits"

Part of Speech: Noun

Examples:

1. Basic Use: "He used his wits to solve the puzzle."

   • This means he used his intelligence to figure out the puzzle.

2. Idiomatic Usage: "I was scared out of my wits."

   • This means you were very frightened, to the point where you felt like you couldn't think clearly.

3. Advanced Use: "She still had all her wits about her during the emergency."

   • This means she was still thinking clearly and making smart decisions, even in a stressful situation.

Word Variants:

• Witty (adjective): Having a clever and humorous way of expressing things. Example: "He is known for his witty remarks."
• Wit (noun): The ability to say or write things that are clever and usually funny. Example: "Her wit makes her a popular speaker."

Different Meanings:

• Common Meaning: The ability to think quickly and intelligently.
• Informal Meaning: Sometimes, "wits" can refer to someone's sanity or mental stability. For example, "He was losing his wits" means he was becoming confused or irrational.

Synonyms:

• Intelligence
• Cleverness
• Ingenuity
• Quickness of mind

Idioms:

1. "At one's wits' end": This means you are very frustrated or confused and don’t know what to do next. Example: "I was at my wits' end trying to find my lost keys."

2. "Keep your wits about you": This means to stay alert and aware, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation. Example: "You need to keep your wits about you when walking alone at night."

Phrasal Verbs:

Although "wits" doesn't have specific phrasal verbs, it can be used in phrases related to quick thinking or intelligence, such as: - "Think on your feet" (to make quick decisions in a challenging situation, similar to using your wits).

Summary:

"Wits" is an important word that describes your mental sharpness and ability to think quickly.

Academic

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

Synonyms

• marbles