What is clever? Pronunciation and usage in English

clever means . Learn how to pronounce and use clever through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of clever

cleveradjective

/ˈklɛvə/
Definition & pronunciation of clever

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "clever" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈklevər/ (This is phonetic spelling - it shows the sounds)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈ (This symbol means "stress" – it indicates which syllable you emphasize.) The stress is on the first syllable.
  • klev – This syllable rhymes with "leave" or "weave". The "e" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, like in "bed."
  • er – This syllable rhymes with "her." The "r" is lightly tapped – don't roll it like in Spanish.

Here's a more detailed explanation of the sounds:

  1. “C”: The “c” is pronounced as a “k” sound.
  2. “le”: Pronounced as “le” – like in “level.”
  3. “v”: Pronounced as a “v” sound.
  4. “er”: Pronounced as a short "er" sound, as in "bed" or "her."

Tips for practicing:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce clever" on YouTube or Google audio. Listen to several different examples to get a feel for it.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.
  • Slow it down: Start by saying the word slowly and deliberately, focusing on each syllable.
  • Focus on the stress: Make sure you’re emphasizing the first syllable.

Resources to listen:

  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/clever - This website shows you how "clever" is pronounced in real-time videos.
  • Google Audio: Search "how to pronounce clever" on Google, and you’ll often find audio examples.

Do you want me to:

  • Provide more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of a particular sound in the word?

Usage and examples with the word clever in English

Let's break down how to use the word "clever" in English. It's a versatile word with a slightly nuanced meaning.

1. Core Meaning: Smart & Resourceful

At its simplest, "clever" means intelligent, smart, and quick-witted. It suggests someone who is good at figuring things out, solving problems, or coming up with creative solutions.

  • Example: "She’s a very clever student; she always understands the tricky math problems."
  • Example: "He used a clever trick to open the box without a key."

2. Shades of Meaning & How to Use Them

"Clever" can be used in a few different ways, adding subtle differences to its meaning:

  • Positive & Admiring: This is the most common usage. It’s a genuinely good thing to describe someone.

    • Example: "That was a clever idea!" (Expressing approval)
    • Example: "He’s a clever inventor – he always comes up with innovative designs."

  • Slightly Critical/Dismissive (Often Informal): This usage can imply that someone is too clever, or that their cleverness is used in a slightly underhanded or manipulative way. It can sometimes carry a hint of disapproval. Use this carefully!

    • Example: "He’s being a bit clever with his excuses." (Suggesting he’s making things up.)
    • Example: "Don't be so clever; just tell me what you did." (Implies they're being evasive.)

  • Playful/Amusing: Sometimes "clever" is used to describe something entertaining or witty.

    • Example: “That was a clever joke!” (Expressing amusement)
    • Example: "The magician performed a clever illusion."

3. Common Phrases Using "Clever"

  • Clever as a Fox: This idiom means very cunning and intelligent (often in a resourceful or mischievous way). "He was clever as a fox, figuring out how to get the cookies without anyone noticing."
  • Clever trick: A skillful or ingenious deception.
  • Clever solution: A smart and effective way to solve a problem.
  • Cleverly done: Said when something is skillfully or cleverly executed.

4. Synonyms for "Clever" (To expand your vocabulary)

  • Smart
  • Intelligent
  • Bright
  • Ingenious
  • Resourceful
  • Witty
  • Sharp
  • Quick-witted

5. Things to Avoid:

  • Overuse: "Clever" is a perfectly good word, but don't use it constantly. Variety in your vocabulary makes your writing and speaking more engaging.
  • Misusing for "Simple": Don’t use “clever” to mean “easy” or “straightforward.” Use words like “simple” or “easy” for those meanings.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking of using "clever" in? (e.g., describing a person, a situation, an object, etc.)
  • Are you trying to write something formal or informal?

Synonyms for the word clever

Idioms of the word clever

box clever
(British English, informal)to act in a clever way to get what you want, sometimes tricking somebody
  • Suzie realized that she had to box clever. She had to let Adam think she trusted him.

Practice with vocabulary clever

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She came up with a _______ solution to the problem that saved the company thousands of dollars.
  2. It’s _______ to double-check your work before submitting it to avoid mistakes.
  3. The detective was known for his _______ approach to solving complex cases.
  4. The student’s _______ idea impressed everyone during the science fair.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes someone who solves problems quickly and creatively?
    a) clever
    b) lazy
    c) kind
    d) noisy

  2. Which of the following words could replace "intelligent" in this sentence: "Her _______ plan helped the team succeed."
    a) clever
    b) slow
    c) boring
    d) expensive

  3. Which word is NOT a synonym for "smart"?
    a) clever
    b) bright
    c) dull
    d) sharp

  4. Choose the word that best fits this sentence: "The _______ design of the machine made it easy to use."
    a) simple
    b) clever
    c) confusing
    d) heavy

  5. Which word describes someone who is good at learning and understanding things?
    a) clever
    b) angry
    c) shy
    d) tired

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The engineer’s innovative design was praised by everyone.
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: He quickly figured out how to fix the broken machine.
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: The teacher’s witty comment made the class laugh.
    Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. clever
  2. wise
  3. clever
  4. innovative

Exercise 2:

  1. a) clever
  2. a) clever
  3. c) dull
  4. b) clever
  5. a) clever

Exercise 3:

  1. The engineer’s clever design was praised by everyone.
  2. He used his cleverness to figure out how to fix the broken machine.
  3. The teacher’s humorous comment made the class laugh.

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