smart Hear it!

smart Definition

smart (smärt)

intransitive verb

    1. to cause sharp, stinging pain, as a slap
    2. to be the source of such pain, as a wound
    3. to feel such pain
  1. to feel mental distress or irritation, as in resentment, remorse, etc.

Etymology: ME smerten < OE smeortan, akin to Ger schmerzen < IE *mer-d < base *mer-, to rub away, fret > L mordere, to bite, sting, Gr smerdnos, frightful

transitive verb

to cause to smart

noun

  1. a smarting sensation, pain or distress
  2. Slang shrewdness, intelligence, or acumen

Etymology: ME smerte < base of v.

adjective

  1. causing sharp or stinging pain a smart slap
  2. sharp or stinging, as pain
  3. brisk; vigorous; lively walking at a smart pace
    1. intelligent, alert, clever, witty, etc.
    2. shrewd or sharp, as in one's dealings
  4. neat; trim; spruce
    1. in keeping with the current fashion; stylish
    2. characteristic of or used by those who follow the current fashions
  5. Informal impertinent, flippant, or saucy
  6. Dialectal quite strong, intense, numerous, etc.; considerable a right smart rain
  7. Comput.
    1. intelligent (sense )
    2. aimed, guided, and controlled precisely, through the use of computer technology smart weapons
    3. programmed in advance with certain features, as navigation information or sensing and self-correcting functions smart cars, smart guns

Etymology: ME smerte < OE smeart < base of v.

adverb

in a smart way

smart Related Forms

smartly adverb smart·ness noun

smart Idioms

smart off

Slang to be impertinent or flippant

Smart Definition

Smart (smärt)

Smart, Christopher 1722-71; Eng. poet

smart Synonyms

smart

modif.

  1. Intelligent

    clever, bright, quick; see intelligent 1.

  2. Impudent

    bold, brazen, forward; see rude 2.

  3. Vigorous

    brisk, lively, energetic; see active 2.

  4. Shrewd

    sharp, crafty, ingenious; see sly 1.

  5. Fashionable

    stylish, chic, in fashion; see fashionable. See syn. study at intelligent.

smart Synonyms

smart

v.

sting, be painful, burn; see hurt 1.

smart Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • sanction: New Zealand also advocates the use of smart sanctions.
  • card: Can I use smart cards to control user's identity?
  • ass: Awolowo was to pay a big price for being rude to the British and being a smart ass.
  • bomb: Smart bombs were used during the Gulf War with pinpoint accuracy they hit their target.
  • clothes: Smart clothes are not a necessity; in fact they are more of a myth.
  • appearance: Looking for a very attractive male, Height 5ft 9 plus, smart appearance, of Caribbean or mixed race descent.

Modifying Another Word

  • pretty: Mind you, when I was your age mine were pretty smart too.
  • incredibly: The voice recording function, MP3 player, exercises and sample tests make this an incredibly smart and effective language learning tool!
  • very: Always gives a very smart look to a party or function.
  • exceptionally: Jona Benz chose to have a daughter who was exceptionally smart.
  • rather: I now have a rather smart wireless NetGear ADSL Router.
  • reasonably: For Formal Hall, everyone is expected to look reasonably smart.

Noun used with modifier

street: He definitely adds European street smarts to the side - in niggling spades - however he still looks leg heavy.

Infinitive complement

know: MULDER: Smart enough to know you're a murderer.

Used with adjective complement

  • look: At least she probably thinks I wander around looking smart all the time.
  • dress: Politicians are always dressed smart, and stride confidently into a room.
  • think: Think smart You've done the research, so use it!
  • stay: Further info for staying cool whilst staying smart at work can also be found online in Summer Time Work Elegance.

Preposition: in

appearance: You must have an understanding and enthusiasm for technology, be smart in appearance and performance with the ability to deliver.

Preposition: from

defeat: Glasgow, still smarting from a double defeat to their city rivals in the University league, seemed up for this one.

Browse dictionary entries near smart

  1. smarmy
  2. smarm
  3. smaragdite
  4. smaragd
  5. smalto
  6. smaltite
  7. smalt
  8. smallsword
  9. smallpox
  10. smallness
  1. smart aleck
  2. smart bomb
  3. smart card
  4. Smart, Christopher
  5. smart drink
  6. smart drug
  7. smart money
  8. smart set
  9. smartass
  10. smarten