wit1

Syllabification: (wit)

Pronunciation: /wit/

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Definition of wit

noun

1mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence:he does not lack perception or native wit
(wits) the intelligence required for normal activity; basic human intelligence:he needed all his wits to figure out the way back

2a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor:a player with a sharp tongue and a quick wit
a person who has an aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way:she is such a wit

Phrases

be at one's wits' end: be overwhelmed with difficulties and at a loss as to what to do next.
be frightened (or scared) out of one's wits: be extremely frightened; be immobilized by fear.
gather (or collect) one's wits: allow oneself to think calmly and clearly in a demanding situation.
have (or keep) one's wits about one: be constantly alert and vigilant.
live by one's wits: earn money by clever and sometimes dishonest means, having no regular employment.
pit one's wits against: compete with (someone or something).

Derivatives

witted: [in combination]:slow-witted

Origin:

Old English wit(t), gewit(t), denoting the mind as the seat of consciousness, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch weet and German Witz, also to wit²

wit in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of wit in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

wit1

noun

Phrases

be at one's wits' end

be frightened (or scared) out of one's wits

gather (or collect) one's wits

have (or keep) one's wits about one

live by one's wits

pit one's wits against

Derivatives

witted

Origin:

wit in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

More results for wit

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