Smart

Definition

The term "smart" refers to having or showing quick intelligence or being stylish, neat, or well-dressed. It can also describe a sharp physical or emotional pain.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /smɑːrt/
• Respelling: SMAHRT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /smɑːt/
• Respelling: SMAHT

Etymology

The word "smart" originates from Old English "smeart," meaning "painful" or "stinging." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*smertana" (to hurt) and Proto-Indo-European "*smerd-" (to bite or sting). Its meaning evolved over time to include mental sharpness and style.

Derivatives

• Smartly (adverb)
• Smartness (noun)
• Smartphone (noun)
• Smarting (verb/noun)
• Smartware (noun)

Synonyms

• Intelligent
• Clever
• Stylish

Antonyms

• Dull
• Stupid
• Messy

Usage

The term "smart" is used to describe a range of qualities, from intellectual sharpness to physical neatness or modern technology. For example: "She is very smart and solves problems quickly," or "He wore a smart suit to the meeting."

Related Terms

• Intelligence: The ability to learn and apply knowledge.
• Fashionable: Stylish or modern in appearance.
• Pain: A sharp or stinging sensation.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Intelligent or quick-witted: Refers to mental sharpness or cleverness.
  • Example: "She is one of the smartest students in the class."
• Neat and stylish: Refers to an elegant or well-dressed appearance.
  • Example: "He looked very smart in his new suit."
• Technologically advanced: Refers to devices or systems that are innovative or modern.
  • Example: "The house is equipped with smart technology."

Verb

• To feel a sharp pain: Refers to experiencing a stinging physical or emotional sensation.
  • Example: "The wound still smarts after all these years."

Noun

• A sharp pain: Refers to physical or emotional discomfort.
  • Example: "The smart of rejection lingered for weeks."