Words of Positivity
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Quick-wittedness

n.capable, joyfulwarm

What it means

The ability to think or reply cleverly with little delay.

Reach for it when praising fast mental agility, especially in conversation

His quick-wittedness kept the tense debate good-humored.

Choose between these

6
  • everyday

    sharpness

    fast exact thinking deserves direct praise

    not when Sharpness can suggest severity.

  • everyday

    wit

    clever humor is the main quality

    not when Wit need not be spontaneous.

  • professional

    mental agility

    rapid flexible thinking is assessed

    not when The phrase lacks the humorous element.

  • formal

    presence of mind

    calm resourcefulness under pressure matters

    not when Presence of mind may be entirely humorless.

  • formal

    readiness

    prompt ability to answer is central

    not when Readiness does not prove cleverness.

  • literary

    repartee

    lively conversational exchange is intended

    not when Repartee names the exchange, not the ability.

Said against

3
  • dullness
  • slow-wittedness
  • confusion

It naturally appears in

3
  • natural quick-wittedness

    Her natural quick-wittedness enlivened every rehearsal.

  • display quick-wittedness

    The candidate displayed quick-wittedness without mocking anyone.

  • quick-wittedness under pressure

    Quick-wittedness under pressure helped him calm the audience.

The word family

2

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.