witty

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'witty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is amusing and intelligent in their conversations, or who shows sharpness in their thoughts or ideas. Example Sentence: "John's wit is always refreshing; he always has something interesting to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mohamedou Ould Slahi: "smart, witty, garrulous, and curiously undamaged" Another team inside the plane dragged me and fastened me on a small and straight seat.

The Guardian

And everyone knows that the only thing that can even come close to matching a decade-old repeat of Top Gear in terms of witty banter is a dank polling booth set up in an abandoned church hall on a drizzly Thursday afternoon".

The Guardian

Michael Irwin's The Skull and the Nightingale (HarperCollins) is a bold and witty appropriation of the conventions, style, and idiom of the 18th-century epistolary novel that brilliantly recreates the manners, modes of thought and conduct of the teeming world of London.

The Guardian - Books

The film turns him from the engaging, often witty and openly gay man he really was into a socially dysfunctional recluse, unable to understand jokes and shamed by his own sexuality.

The Guardian - Film

Lahiri is way too witty to be an actual ditz (see her failed romance with a skater bro, guest star Timothy Olyphant: "My body is very attracted to your body but when you speak, my brain gets angry"), and too optimistically hopeful to be truly loathsome.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such books are not often produced today, because, as Mr Toynbee shows in his witty comparison of historical and industrial production, they are discouraged by the turn that the writing of history has taken.

The Guardian - Books

Cumberbatch's prickly, witty lead performance has won universal plaudits, and there was acclaim, too, for Keira Knightley, who plays a fellow mathematician to whom Turing was briefly engaged.

The Guardian - Film

Stephen Daldry, working from Lee Hall's trenchant and witty script, displays a instinctive visual flair and cinematic understanding.

The Guardian - Film

You can tell by the way they stare into the middle distance over a cup of cooling tea, doomed to replay the scene endlessly in their minds, thinking up the witty asides that would have won over the director.

The Guardian

"What if someone good made a horror picture?" asks Alfred Hitchcock of his wife Alma Reville early on in Sacha Gervasi's clever and witty drama about the making of Psycho.

The Guardian - Film

Lowry, a spry, witty presence who called herself an outsider, acknowledged there were controversial episodes in the book, such as the moment when a man kills his child.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "witty", provide context or examples of their wit to illustrate the specific qualities you're referencing. For instance, mention their sharp comebacks or clever observations.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "wit" with sarcasm. While both involve cleverness, "wit" aims to amuse and enlighten, whereas sarcasm often involves irony and can be cutting or critical.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "witty" primarily functions to describe something or someone as clever and amusing. It suggests a quick intelligence and the ability to express thoughts in a humorous and insightful way. Ludwig examples shows its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

8%

Books

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "witty" is an adjective used to describe something or someone clever and amusing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The analysis reveals that "witty" is very common, particularly in news and media, film, and books. To enhance your writing, use "witty" to highlight intelligence and humor, but avoid confusing it with sarcasm. Alternatives include "cleverly amusing" and "humorously intelligent". By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "witty" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cleverly amusing

This alternative emphasizes the amusing aspect of cleverness, highlighting the capacity to bring joy or entertainment through intellect.

humorously intelligent

This variation concentrates on the blend of humor and intelligence, focusing on the intellectual capacity to create amusement.

smart and amusing

This alternative offers a direct pairing of intelligence and amusement, suggesting a straightforward and clear way to express the meaning.

intellectually playful

This phrase highlights the lighthearted and inventive aspects of someone's intellect or work.

quick-witted

This expression underscores the speed and nimbleness of one's humor and intelligence.

full of repartee

This alternative emphasizes the ability to respond quickly and amusingly in conversation.

sparkling with wit

This suggests a vivid and brilliant display of wit, implying that something is highly engaging and clever.

possessing a sharp wit

This phrase denotes someone who possesses a keen and incisive sense of humor.

known for their wit

This indicates a reputation for cleverness and humor, suggesting a consistent display of these qualities.

gifted with humor

This highlights the natural talent for humor, suggesting an innate ability to be funny and amusing.

FAQs

How can I use "witty" in a sentence?

You can use "witty" to describe someone's speech, writing, or personality. For example, "She gave a "witty speech" that had everyone laughing" or "He's known for his "witty remarks"."

What are some synonyms for "witty"?

Some synonyms for "witty" include "clever", "humorous", "facetious", "jocose" and "jocular".

Is it correct to describe an object as "witty"?

Yes, you can describe an object, such as a book or a film, as "witty" if it displays clever and amusing qualities. For example, "The film's "witty dialogue" kept the audience entertained."

What's the difference between "witty" and "funny"?

While both words relate to humor, "witty" implies a clever and intellectual form of amusement, often involving wordplay or insightful observations, whereas "funny" is a more general term for something that causes laughter. Something "funny" might be silly or absurd, but something "witty" requires a certain level of intelligence.