witty
gb/wˈɪti/ us/wˈɪti/
B2
English
~ 7700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
quick and cleverly funny
Able to say or write clever and funny things quickly.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is witty
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'witty' to describe physical appearance (e.g., *a witty dress* or *a witty face*), but in modern English 'witty' almost always describes people, their speech, writing, or comments, not how something looks. Learners also confuse 'witty' with 'funny': something 'funny' can be simple or even silly, but 'witty' suggests clever, intelligent humor, often in words.
Synonyms
clever (Emphasizes intelligence and quick thinking; not always funny, while 'witty' usually includes humor.)
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humorous (General word for being funny; 'witty' suggests a sharper, smarter kind of humor.)
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quick-witted (Stresses mental speed; 'witty' stresses both speed and humorous expression.)
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sharp (Can suggest biting or critical intelligence; 'witty' is usually more playful and charming.)
Antonyms
dull (Describes someone or something that is not interesting or mentally lively, the opposite of lively, witty humor.)
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humorless (Describes someone who does not show or enjoy humor, the opposite of someone who is witty.)
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boring (Focuses on causing no interest or amusement, unlike a witty person who entertains others.)
Collocations
witty remark
|witty comment
|witty comeback
|witty banter
|witty dialogue
|witty writer
Themes
communication
|personality
|humor
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her witty remarks kept the whole table laughing during dinner.
- The interview was full of witty banter between the host and the actor.
- He is known for his witty tweets about everyday life.
- The play is light, fast, and extremely witty.
- She gave a witty comeback that ended the argument without being rude.
Learner examples
- The comedian was very witty and made everyone laugh.
- He wrote a short, witty message in her birthday card.
- I like talking to her because she is smart and witty.
- The movie is funny and full of witty lines.
- His witty comment made the boring meeting more fun.
Grammar
Dictionary form
witty
IPA
GB/wˈɪti/
US/wˈɪti/
Syllables & stress
witty (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (witty)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: witty
- Comparative: wittier
- Superlative: wittiest
Word family
Forms
wittier
adjective
wittiest
adjective
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
witless
adjective
Advanced or less common
witticism
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.