Quick-wittedness
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.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
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| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
sharpness
Fits when fast exact thinking deserves direct praise
Careful Sharpness can suggest severity.
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everyday
Fits when clever humor is the main quality
Careful Wit need not be spontaneous.
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professional
mental agility
Fits when rapid flexible thinking is assessed
Careful The phrase lacks the humorous element.
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formal
presence of mind
Fits when calm resourcefulness under pressure matters
Careful Presence of mind may be entirely humorless.
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formal
Fits when prompt ability to answer is central
Careful Readiness does not prove cleverness.
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literary
Fits when lively conversational exchange is intended
Careful Repartee names the exchange, not the ability.
Opposites 3
- dullness
- slow-wittedness
- confusion
Common phrases 3
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natural quick-wittedness
Her natural quick-wittedness enlivened every rehearsal.
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display quick-wittedness
The candidate displayed quick-wittedness without mocking anyone.
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quick-wittedness under pressure
Quick-wittedness under pressure helped him calm the audience.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated