wit: Meaning and Definition of

wit

Pronunciation: (wit), [key]
— n.
  1. the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure.
  2. speech or writing showing such perception and expression.
  3. a person having or noted for such perception and expression.
  4. understanding, intelligence, or sagacity; astuteness.
  5. Usually, using one's wits to get ahead.
    1. powers of intelligent observation, keen perception, ingenious contrivance, or the like; mental acuity, composure, and resourcefulness:using one's wits to get ahead.
    2. mental faculties; senses:to lose one's wits.
  6. See (def. 23).
  7. to remain alert and observant; be prepared for or equal to anything: to keep your wits about you in a crisis.
  8. to provide for oneself by employing ingenuity or cunning; live precariously: We traveled around the world, living by our wits.

wit

Pronunciation: (wit), [key]
— wot, wost, wot, wit wite wist wit•ting.
  1. to know.
  2. that is to say; namely: It was the time of the vernal equinox, to wit, the beginning of spring.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • wit (Thesaurus)