- showing inventiveness and skill
"a clever gadget"
"the cunning maneuvers leading to his success"
"an ingenious solution to the problem"

- skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends
"cool prudence and sensitive selfishness along with quick perception of what is possible--these distinguish an adroit politician"
"came up with a clever story"
"an ingenious press agent"
"an ingeni

- showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
"a cagey lawyer"
"too clever to be sound"

- mentally quick and resourceful
"an apt pupil"
"you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold"-Bram Stoker

1. Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert.

"Though there were many clever men in England during the latter half of the seventeenth century, there were only two great creative minds. Macaulay." --

"Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever. C. Kingsley." --

2. Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick. Byron.

3. Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.

""T would sound more clever To me and to my heirs forever. Swift." --

4. Well-shaped; handsome. "The girl was a tight, clever wench as any was." Arbuthnot.

5. Good-natured; obliging. [U. S.]

Syn. -- See Smart.