wit

The word "wit" is similar to the word "humor" except that wit is dependent on intellect to make people laugh or provide amusement.

• Audiences are attracted by a comedian’s humor and wit.
• The speaker’s remarks were laced with wit and sarcasm.
• She knows how to use wit to support her arguments.
• Garrison Keillor is known for his brilliant wit.
• Brevity is the soul of wit. (This is a well-known proverb.)

The comic surprised his audience with his dry wit.

The word "witty" is an adjective:

• The woman made a very witty remark.
• That’s a very witty expression.
• How witty!
• That’s so witty.
• We love that TV show because the host is so witty.
• The man likes to think he’s witty, but he really lacks an understanding of wit.

You can also use the word "wit" when referring to a person’s ability to think through difficult situations. (In this case the word "wit" is always plural: wits.)

• You really have to have your wits about you when traveling to a foreign country.
• After being a teacher for 40 years, the old man lost his wits.
• You have to use your wits to figure out what to do.
• I’m at my wits’ end. (This is an expression. It means that you are very frustrated with a situation or a person.)
• He gets by on his wits. (He does well because he’s smart.)

Click here for more English vocabulary.

December 2, 2019