smart
She came up with a smart solution to the problem.
She created a clever and effective solution to the problem.
Having or showing quick intelligence, mental sharpness, or good judgment.
Buying a reliable pre-owned car was a smart financial choice.
Purchasing a reliable used vehicle was a wise money decision.
This is the primary sense in American English.
Neat, clean, and stylish in appearance.
He wore a smart suit to his job interview.
He dressed in a neat and stylish suit for his job interview.
Very common in British English, often used in dress codes like 'smart casual'.
Capable of independent or automated action through internal computing power or internet connectivity.
Smart home devices allow users to control heating remotely.
Internet-connected home devices enable users to regulate temperature from a distance.
Used as a modifier in technology terms like smartphone, smartwatch, or smart grid.
To feel or cause a sharp, stinging physical or emotional pain.
Her eyes smarted from the thick smoke in the room.
Her eyes felt a sharp, burning pain because of the heavy smoke in the room.
Functions as a verb in this sense.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
UK vs. US Meaning Difference
Remember that if a British person says 'You look smart today,' they are complimenting your clothes, not your intelligence.
Gold Rule
Use 'smart' for practical intelligence
Use 'smart' for quick thinking, clever choices, and modern devices; reserve 'wise' for deep life experience or long-term guidance.
Word Origin
Derived from Old English 'smeart' (meaning stinging or severe), connected to the verb 'smeortan' (to feel pain). Over centuries, the meaning evolved from 'sharp pain' to 'quick, energetic', and eventually to 'clever' in American English and 'well-dressed' in British English.
Usage Notes
Pay attention to regional differences: in American English, 'smart' almost always means intelligent. In British English, it frequently means well-dressed or neat. When modifying technology terms, it indicates automated or connected capability.