quick-witted

USAGE SUMMARY

'quick-witted' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is able to respond quickly and intelligently in a given situation. For example, "The detective was quick-witted, able to solve the case in a matter of days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's quick-witted.

The New Yorker

He was also quick-witted.

The Guardian

Both of them are quick-witted guys.

The New York Times

Both radiate a gregarious, quick-witted intensity.

The New York Times

But I was always quick-witted".

The Guardian - Music

He was adaptable, quick-witted and convincing.

The Guardian - Arts

"He was insightful and quick-witted".

The New York Times

Handsome, brilliant, quick-witted, articulate, forceful, you".

The Guardian - Books

That was quick-witted, wasn't it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is also quick-witted and eloquent.

The New York Times

Ms. Lee is quick-witted and gregarious.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick-witted" to describe someone who not only understands things rapidly but also responds with intelligence and humor.

Common error

Avoid using "quick-witted" when you simply mean "intelligent". The term implies a specific kind of intelligence characterized by speed and cleverness, especially in responses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quick-witted" is as an adjective. It modifies a noun, describing someone's mental acuity and speed of thought. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "quick-witted" is used to characterize individuals in various contexts, such as "a quick-witted passerby" or "quick-witted guys".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "quick-witted" is a commonly used adjective to describe someone who is mentally sharp, intelligent, and able to respond rapidly and cleverly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "sharp-witted" or "mentally agile" exist, "quick-witted" uniquely combines speed and intelligence in its connotation. When using this term, ensure it accurately reflects the subject's ability to not just understand but also respond with cleverness and speed. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though always consider the specific tone of your piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp-witted

Emphasizes the keenness and sharpness of intellect.

sharp-minded

Similar to sharp-witted, but emphasizes the mind's keenness.

mentally agile

Highlights the nimbleness and flexibility of the mind.

nimble-minded

Describes a mind that is quick, flexible, and adaptable.

clever

A more general term for intelligence and ingenuity.

astute

Implies shrewdness and the ability to understand complex situations.

quick on the uptake

Focuses on the speed of understanding and learning.

intelligent

A broad term indicating intellectual capacity.

brainy

Informal term referring to high intelligence.

resourceful

Indicates the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "quick-witted" in a sentence?

Use "quick-witted" to describe someone who is mentally sharp and responds rapidly and cleverly. For example, "The comedian's "quick-witted" remarks kept the audience laughing."

What are some alternatives to "quick-witted"?

Alternatives include "sharp-witted", "mentally agile", or "clever", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quick-witted" in formal writing?

Yes, "quick-witted" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing someone's ability to think and respond intelligently. However, consider the context and whether a more formal term like "astute" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "quick-witted" and "intelligent"?

"Intelligent" is a general term for having a high mental capacity. "Quick-witted" specifies that the person is not only intelligent but also able to think and respond rapidly and cleverly. Someone can be intelligent without being "quick-witted", and vice versa.