Smart and clever both mean intelligent and quick-thinking; clever is more common in British English, smart in American English. But in British English smart also means well-dressed and neat: You look smart today is a compliment on your appearance. And for technology, only smart works: smartphone, smart speaker.
smart or clever — can you pick the right one?
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smart/clever + person/idea; clever at + noun/-ing; look smart = well-dressed (UK); smart + device: smartphone, smart speaker
- My niece is really clever: she solved the puzzle in two minutes.
- You look very smart in that suit. Have you got an interview today?
- It was a smart move to book the tickets before prices went up.
What changed
First versionWe bought a clever speaker that plays music when you ask it.
RevisionWe bought a smart speaker that plays music when you ask it.
For devices, English uses only smart: smartphone, smartwatch, smart speaker. Clever describes a quick-thinking person or a witty idea, not a gadget with a computer inside.
Both words can have a sharp edge. Telling someone to stop being cheeky, a British speaker might say Don't get clever with me!, an American Don't get smart with me! And clever about a thing praises its ingenuity: a clever idea, a clever design.
Your turn
You can't wear jeans to the ceremony: the invitation says the dress code is ___.
Show the answer
smart — This is about the dress code, not intelligence: smart means well-dressed and formal, as in smart clothes. Clever doesn't describe clothes.
Write about someone who recently surprised you by being quick-witted. Use clever or smart and say what exactly they did.
My colleague did something really clever yesterday: she fixed the printer with a paper clip in five minutes.
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