smart
smart Lexical Profile
smart Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having or showing a quick-witted intelligence, keen mental ability, or good judgment.
"She made a smart investment decision that doubled her savings within five years."
(Of a device or system) programmed so as to be capable of some independent action, automation, or internet connectivity.
"The newly renovated home features smart thermostats and automated lighting."
British Clean, tidy, and well-dressed in appearance; fashionable and upscale.
"He wore a smart navy suit for the afternoon wedding reception."
Impertinent, insolent, orcheekily disrespectful in speech or manner.
"The teacher warned the student not to make any more smart remarks in class."
Quick, brisk, or vigorous in speed or force.
"The hikers set off at a smart pace to reach the summit before noon."
• noun
(Usually in the plural 'smarts') practical intelligence, acumen, or know-how.
"It takes both academic knowledge and street smarts to succeed in a competitive industry."
A sharp, stinging physical pain or mental suffering.
"The sudden smart of the antiseptic made him wince."
• verb
To feel upset, annoyed, or resentful as a result of criticism, failure, or an insult.
"The team was still smarting from their unexpected defeat in the championship final."
To feel or cause a sharp, stinging physical pain.
"My eyes began to smart from the thick campfire smoke."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'smart' primarily means intelligent or clever, whereas in British English, it frequently refers to a neat, stylish, or formal appearance (as in 'smart dress').
• Rhymes for smart
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'smeortan' (to cause or feel sharp pain) and related adjective 'smeart' (painful, severe, stinging), from a West Germanic root meaning 'biting'. The sense evolved from 'sharp pain' to 'sharp in manner or wit' (circa 1300), and subsequently to 'neat and trim in attire' in the early 18th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.