wits
word · lemma: wit
/ˈwɪts/
wits
/wˈɪts/
wits
Definition
Your 'wits' are your ability to think quickly and clearly, especially in difficult or tricky situations. It often refers to cleverness and resourcefulness.
Usage & Nuances
Almost always used in plural as 'wits'. Common phrases: 'keep your wits about you' (stay alert), 'match wits' (compete intellectually), 'at your wits' end' (out of ideas). Usually informal or everyday speech.
Spanish: ingenio - agudezaPortuguese (BR): esperteza - inteligência - sagacidadePortuguese (PT): esperteza - inteligência - sagacidadeChinese (Simplified): 机智 - 智慧Chinese (Traditional): 機智 - 智慧Hindi: चतुराई - बुद्धिArabic: ذكاء - فطنةBengali: বুদ্ধি - হুমুখRussian: ум - сообразительностьJapanese: 機知 - 知恵Vietnamese: trí khôn - sự lanh tríKorean: 지혜 - 재치Turkish: zeka - akılUrdu: عقل - ہوشIndonesian: akal - kecerdikan
Example Sentences
You need your wits to win this game.
basic
She kept her wits about her and stayed calm.
basic
After hours of searching, I was at my wits' end.
natural
It takes wits to get out of tricky situations like that.
natural
They matched wits in a battle of riddles.
natural
He used his wits to solve the puzzle.
basic