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[uncountable] wit to do something the intelligence or good sense to know what is the right thing to do. At least you had the wit to ask for help. It should not be beyond the wit of man to resolve this dispute.
- Witless Adjective
Word Origin Old English witlēas ‘crazy, dazed’ (see wit,...
- Witch Noun
a woman who is believed to have magic powers, especially to...
- Witchcraft Noun
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- Full Entry
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- Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries
5 [uncountable] wit to do something the intelligence or good...
- Wistfulness Noun
Definition of wistfulness noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's...
- Witless Adjective
- Definition of Wit
- Examples of Wit in Literature
- Function
Wit has originated from an old English term wit, which means “to know.” It is a literary device used to make the readers laugh. Over the years, its meanings have kept changing. Today, it is associated with laughter and comedy. It is, in fact, a clever expression of thought; whether harmless or aggressive, with or without any disparaging intent towa...
Example #1: The Good Morrow
John Donne has used plenty of wit and conceit in this poem. He has presented a comparison between his beloved and two hemispheres which form the earth. This unusual comparison between the speakerand his beloved makes the reader feel pleased, making it a good example of the use of wit in a poem.
Example #2: Canto-I, The Rape of the Lock
“The Rape of the Lock” has an abundance of scintillating and sparkling wit. In fact, through his wit, Alexander Pope has made a comic assault on a society preoccupied with superficialities. It is a witty satirethat ridicules idleness, laziness, follies, frivolities, shallowness, hypocrisy, and vanities of aristocratic ladies of the eighteenth century. He gives his readers an amusing picture of the ladies of his time. In this example, Pope brings into question whether “little men” can engage t...
Example #3: The Importance of Being Earnest
The dialogues in Oscar Wilde’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest, are full of wit, paradoxical twists, epigrams, and humor. For instance, the characterAlgernon Moncrieff delivers a witty statement that “Divorces are made in heaven,” which is an amendment of another statement, “Marriages are made in heaven.” A saying that “Two is company and three is none” flows into another naughty implication, “In married life three is company and two is none.” The character, John “Jack” Worthing, also u...
Wit is frequently used in literature, public speeches, media, politics, everyday conversation, and many other fields of life. An inferior form of wit lies in the use of word play, oxymorons, puns, and paradoxes, whereas higher wit appears in the use of conceits, metaphors, and arguments. By intelligent wit, writers mock the social foibles and folli...
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Wit is a biting or insightful kind of humor. It includes sharp comebacks, clever banter, and dry, one-line jokes. It is often cynical or insulting, which is what provides it with its characteristic sharpness. One key hallmark of wit is that it often takes a second to figure out. A witty remark is one that goes over people’s heads at first ...
3 days ago · 9 meanings: 1. the talent or quality of using unexpected associations between contrasting or disparate words or ideas to make a.... Click for more definitions.
Nov 5, 2023 · A person of wit possesses mental sharpness and a keen sense of humor. They are often able to generate unexpected, clever, and amusing observations or responses, even in ordinary situations. Being a person of wit means having the ability to think quickly and creatively, keeping conversations lively and engaging.
1 day ago · wit in British English. (wɪt ) noun. 1. the talent or quality of using unexpected associations between contrasting or disparate words or ideas to make a clever humorous effect. 2. speech or writing showing this quality. 3. a person possessing, showing, or noted for such an ability, esp in repartee.
