Synonyms for wit


Grammar : Noun
Spell : wit
Phonetic Transcription : wɪt

Top 10 synonyms for wit Other synonyms for the word wit

Définition of wit

Origin :
  • "mental capacity," Old English wit, more commonly gewit, from Proto-Germanic *witjan (cf. Old Saxon wit, Old Norse vit, Danish vid, Swedish vett, Old Frisian wit, Old High German wizzi "knowledge, understanding, intelligence, mind," German Witz "wit, witticism, joke," Gothic unwiti "ignorance"), from PIE *woid-/*weid-/*wid- "to see," metaphorically "to know" (see vision). Related to Old English witan "to know" (source of wit (v.)). Meaning "ability to make clever remarks in an amusing way" is first recorded 1540s; that of "person of wit or learning" is from late 15c. For nuances of usage, see humor.
  • A witty saying proves nothing. [Voltaire, Diner du Comte de Boulainvilliers]Wit ought to be five or six degrees above the ideas that form the intelligence of an audience. [Stendhal, "Life of Henry Brulard"]
  • noun humor
  • noun person who is very funny
Example sentences :
  • I wonder that they have not wit to learn English now that they have come under the English crown.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Wit, lad, is a catching thing, like the itch or the sweating sickness.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • She was quick of wit, and she read his tone as well as his words.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • It is Mary Fitton who has "wit and invention," and is "an admirable musician."
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • In all the stand up there, wit' their flounces and jewels, there isn't a lady like her.
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • No, not all: but you overpower me with your wit; and I cannot stand the 'lightning of your eyes.'
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • He is a man of wit and gallantry—I am unpractised in the ways of the world.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • I'll engage, with all her wit, she'll never pretend to answer it.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • It would be happy for you, and for every body else, were your obedience as ready as your wit.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Men of all parties enjoyed his wit and graceful conversation.
  • Extract from : « The Works of Whittier, Volume VI (of VII) » by John Greenleaf Whittier

Antonyms for wit

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019