Keen-witted
adj.capable, thoughtfulformal
What it means
Quick to understand, reason, and respond intelligently.
Reach for it when praising mental speed joined to sound judgment
The keen-witted guide found a safer route before the light faded.
Choose between these
7- playful
thought moves flexibly between ideas
not when Nimble-minded is uncommon and may sound manufactured.
- everyday
fast clever responses are the evidence
not when Quick-witted favors verbal speed and may not show careful reasoning.
- everyday
informal praise for quick intelligence fits
not when Sharp can suggest a cutting manner or refer to senses and appearance.
- warm
exceptional intellectual ability is well supported
not when Brilliant is sweeping praise and should not rest on one quick answer.
- warm
inventive thinking solves the immediate problem
not when Clever can sound slight or imply trickery.
- professional
meaning behind the facts is recognized
not when Perceptive does not capture speed of response.
- formal
practical intelligence yields a shrewd conclusion
not when Astute may suggest strategic self-interest rather than open curiosity.
Said against
3- dull-witted
- slow
- obtuse
It naturally appears in
3- keen-witted reply
Her keen-witted reply exposed the false choice without embarrassing the speaker.
- keen-witted student
The keen-witted student tested the premise before attempting the proof.
- keen-witted solution
A keen-witted solution used the existing ramp in both directions.