cleverly

advin a clever manner
advin a dexterous manner

Synonyms for cleverly

adv in a clever manner

Antonyms for cleverly

handily

adverb. skillfully

Word Origin & History

1580s, "handy, dexterous," apparently from East Anglian dialectal cliver "expert at seizing," perhaps from East Frisian klüfer "skillful," or Norwegian dialectic klover "ready, skillful," and perhaps influenced by Old English clifer "claw, hand" (early usages seem to refer to dexterity). Or perhaps akin to Old Norse kleyfr "easy to split" and from a root related to cleave "to split." Extension to intellect is first recorded 1704.

The meaning has narrowed since, but clever also often in old use and dialect meant "well-shaped, attractive-looking" and in 19c. American English sometimes "good-natured, agreeable." Related: Cleverly; cleverness.

Example Sentences for cleverly

She had a wicked delight in the defeat of his strategy which she could cleverly conceal.

He had been cleverly exploited, but he could not see that any great harm had been done.

He was cleverly caught, though, before he could make any use of what he had stolen.

At these words, which she had so cleverly provoked, Felicite released her husband's arms.

She had disguised herself so cleverly that it was difficult to recognise her.

He doesn't seem to have noticed at all how cleverly you have used your performers.

"Well, you have done it cleverly, I must say," resumed Dunn.

"Cleverly done, by Jove," cried Talbot, in an ecstacy of admiration.

Well, he could bring down an ox with his fist, at a word from the boss, just as cleverly.

Now he had been cleverly outwitted by an eighteen-year-old girl.

cleverly

Synonyms for cleverly

Antonyms for cleverly

More words related to cleverly

brilliantly

handily

shrewdly