smart

[smahrt]

verb (used without object)

1. to be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.

   Synonyms: sting, hurt, pain

2. to be the cause of a sharp, stinging pain, as an irritating application, a blow, etc.

3. to feel a sharp, stinging pain, as in a wound.

4. to suffer keenly from wounded feelings.

   She smarted under their criticism.

5. to feel shame or remorse or to suffer in punishment or in return for something.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a sharp pain to or in.

adjective

smarter, smartest 

1. quick or prompt in action, as persons.

   Synonyms: active, alert, agile, nimble, lively

2. having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability.

   a smart student.

   Synonyms: adroit, expert, sharp, bright
   Antonyms: stupid

3. shrewd or sharp, as a person in dealing with others or as in business dealings.

   a smart businessman.

   Synonyms: adept, cunning

4. clever, witty, or readily effective, as a speaker, speech, rejoinder, etc.

5. dashingly or impressively neat or trim in appearance, as persons, dress, etc.

   Synonyms: showy, pretentious, spruce

6. socially elegant; sophisticated or fashionable.

   the smart crowd.

   Synonyms: chic

7. saucy; pert.

   smart remarks.

8. sharply brisk, vigorous, or active.

   to walk with smart steps.

   Synonyms: energetic

9. sharply severe, as a blow, stroke, etc.

10. sharp or keen.

    a smart pain.

    Synonyms: penetrating, poignant

11. Digital Technology.

    1. (of a machine, system, etc.) equipped with electronic control mechanisms, software programs, etc., and capable of remote, automated, and seemingly intelligent operation.

       smart copiers;

       smart weapons;

       a smart thermostat.

    2. equipped with microprocessors, as for data processing, internet access, etc. (usually used in combination).

       a smartphone;

       a smartwatch.

12. having properties that can be changed in response to stimuli or environmental conditions; self-regulating.

    smart fabrics that respond to temperature or light.

13. Older Use.,  considerable; fairly large.

adverb

1. in a smart manner; smartly.

noun

1. a sharp local pain, usually superficial, as from a wound, blow, or sting.

2. keen mental suffering, as from wounded feelings, affliction, grievous loss, etc.

3. Slang.,  smarts, intelligence; common sense.

   He never had the smarts to use his opportunities.

smart

¹

/ smɑːt /

adjective

1. astute, as in business; clever or bright

2. quick, witty, and often impertinent in speech

   a smart talker

3. fashionable; chic

   a smart hotel

4. well-kept; neat

5. causing a sharp stinging pain

6. vigorous or brisk

7. dialect,  considerable or numerous

   a smart price

8. (of systems) operating as if by human intelligence by using automatic computer control

9. (of a projectile or bomb) containing a device that allows it to be guided to its target

verb

1. to feel, cause, or be the source of a sharp stinging physical pain or keen mental distress

   a nettle sting smarts

   he smarted under their abuse

2. (often foll by for) to suffer a harsh penalty

noun

1. a stinging pain or feeling

adverb

1. in a smart manner

Smart

²

/ smɑːt /

noun

1. Christopher. 1722–71, British poet, author of A Song to David (1763) and Jubilate Agno (written 1758–63, published 1939). He was confined (1756–63) for religious mania and died in a debtors' prison

Other Word Forms

• smartly adverb
• smartish adjective
• smartness noun
• smartingly adverb
• supersmart adjective
• supersmartness noun
• ultrasmart adjective
• unsmart adjective
• unsmarting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

First recorded before 1050; Middle English (verb) smerten, Old English -smeortan (only in the compound fyrsmeortende “painful like fire”), cognate with Old High German smerzan ( German schmerzen ); (adjective) Middle English smerte, smart “quick, prompt, sharp,” originally, “biting, smarting,” late Old English smearte, akin to the verb; (adverb and noun) Middle English smerte, derivative of the adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart¹

Old English smeortan; related to Old High German smerzan, Latin mordēre to bite, Greek smerdnos terrible

Example Sentences

He’s smarter, stronger, colder and emotionless in his calculations.

From Salon

Aishe has been preparing for her next life since she arrived in New York, getting stronger, smarter, faster, so that she can make the leap to an existence that’s more comfortable, safer, more abundant.

From Los Angeles Times

Others, understanding how tricky it is to be truly smart in a world full of phony intellectuals and career posers, would be appropriately impressed.

From Salon

But on that question and many others, as new waves keep coming our way, wouldn’t the smart move be more research rather than less?

From Los Angeles Times

"It seemed good. Some smart guys from around here were in the deal, I just kind of went along with it on that basis," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• agile 
• astute 
• bold 
• brainy 
• bright 
• brilliant 
• canny 
• crafty 
• good 
• nimble 
• quick 
• resourceful 
• sharp 
• shrewd 
• slick 
• wise