wit

wit
1.
n.
1 (in sing. or pl.) intelligence; quick understanding (has quick wits; a nimble wit).
2 a the unexpected, quick, and humorous combining or contrasting of ideas or expressions (conversation sparkling with wit). b the power of giving intellectual pleasure by this.
3 a person possessing such a power, esp. a cleverly humorous person.
Phrases and idioms:
at one's wit's (or wits') end utterly at a loss or in despair. have (or keep) one's wits about one be alert or vigilant or of lively intelligence. live by one's wits live by ingenious or crafty expedients, without a settled occupation. out of one's wits mad, distracted. set one's wits to argue with.
Derivatives:
witted adj. (in sense 1); (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE wit(t), gewit(t) f. Gmc
2.
v.tr. & intr. (1st & 3rd sing. present wot; past and past part. wist) (often foll. by of) archaic know.
Phrases and idioms:
to wit that is to say; namely.
Etymology: OE witan f. Gmc

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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  • Wit — Wit, n. [AS. witt, wit; akin to OFries. wit, G. witz, OHG. wizz[=i], Icel. vit, Dan. vid, Sw. vett. [root]133. See {Wit}, v.] [1913 Webster] 1. Mind; intellect; understanding; sense. [1913 Webster] Who knew the wit of the Lord? or who was his… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • wit — [ wıt ] noun * 1. ) singular or uncount the ability to use words in a clever way to make people laugh: He is a man of great wit, sensitivity, and passion. a dry/biting/acerbic/caustic wit (=the tendency to say clever and slightly cruel things):… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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  • Wit — (w[i^]t), v. t. & i. [inf. (To) {Wit}; pres. sing. {Wot}; pl. {Wite}; imp. {Wist(e)}; p. p. {Wist}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Wit(t)ing}. See the Note below.] [OE. witen, pres. ich wot, wat, I know (wot), imp. wiste, AS. witan, pres. w[=a]t, imp. wiste,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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