Wits
/wɪts/
nounB2plural
Definition
Wits refers to the sharpness of a person's mind, especially how well they can understand things, solve problems, or respond quickly. It often describes being clever or smart in practical situations, not just book knowledge.
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See It in Action
The ability to think quickly and cleverly
- •She used her wits to escape from the dangerous situation.
- •You need your wits about you when driving in bad weather.
- •The game tests your wits and problem-solving skills.
The part of the mind that helps with quick thinking (usually plural)
- •He lost his wits after the accident and needed help.
- •Keep your wits sharp by reading and playing brain games.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'wits' like 'smarts' or 'brain,' but focused on quick thinking and cleverness in real life
- ✓Picture a person quickly solving a puzzle or escaping a tricky problem using their mind
- ✓It's the feeling when you come up with a fast, clever answer in a conversation or solve a problem on the spot
- ✓Sounds like 'wits' → imagine little sparks of light (ideas) popping quickly in your head
- ✓Think of a detective or a hero in stories who uses their 'wits' to outsmart others and solve mysteries
- ✓NOT like 'knowledge' (facts learned from books), 'wits' is about quick thinking and practical cleverness
- ✓NOT like 'luck' (random chance), 'wits' comes from your own thinking and cleverness
- ✓NOT like 'intelligence' (general brain power), 'wits' is about being quick and smart in the moment
Try Other Words
- •Intelligence: general mental ability (Use when talking about overall brain power, not just quick thinking)
- •Cleverness: skill in thinking and solving problems (Use when emphasizing skill rather than speed)
- •Brain: informal word for mind or intelligence (Use in casual speech about thinking ability)
- •Presence of mind: ability to stay calm and think clearly in emergencies (Use when focusing on calm, quick thinking under pressure)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'wit' (sharp mind) + plural 's' (more than one or general quality)
- •Etymology: Old English 'witt' meaning knowledge, understanding, or mental ability
- •Historical development: Originally meant knowledge or understanding; over time it focused on quick, clever thinking
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in the plural form 'wits' to mean mental sharpness or cleverness, often in practical situations
Reflect & Connect
•How do you use your wits in everyday life when you face unexpected problems?
•Can someone have knowledge but still lose their wits in a difficult moment? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.In a crisis, you must keep your wits ___ to make good decisions quickly.
2.She used her wits and ___ the tricky question during the interview.
3.Unlike pure knowledge, wits help you think ___ when things change suddenly.
4.When he lost his wits, he felt confused and could not ___ clearly.
5.The story shows how the hero's wits saved him from ___ danger.
6.People say "keep your wits about you" to remind you to stay ___ and alert.
7.You can improve your wits by practicing puzzles and ___ problems.