Cleverest

Cleverest is the superlative form of the English adjective clever, used to indicate the highest degree of cleverness within a specified group or context.

In contemporary usage, cleverest describes sharp thinking, quick problem solving, or inventive ingenuity. It is commonly applied to people but can also refer to animals, ideas, or solutions. For example: “She offered the cleverest solution to the problem” or “Among the contestants, he was the cleverest.”

Clever versus other superlatives: The word conveys wit and practical intelligence more than general knowledge. It is often more casual or humorous than “most intelligent” and can imply resourcefulness rather than raw intellect. The tone can range from admiring to playful depending on context.

Etymology and usage history: The adjective clever has been part of English since the Middle Ages, with senses related to wit, skill, and craft. The superlative cleverest follows regular formation by adding -est; there is also the formal option “the most clever” in certain contexts.

See also: clever, smartest, most ingenious.