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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
  2. 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
  5. neat; trim; spruce
    1. in keeping with the current fashion; stylish
    2. characteristic of or used by those who follow the current fashions
  7. Informal impertinent, flippant, or saucy
  8. Dialectal quite strong, intense, numerous, etc.; considerable a right smart rain
  9. 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

smart′ly 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 ›