wit
Pronunciation: (wit), [key]
— n.
- the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure.
- speech or writing showing such perception and expression.
- a person having or noted for such perception and expression.
- understanding, intelligence, or sagacity; astuteness.
- Usually, using one's wits to get ahead.
- powers of intelligent observation, keen perception, ingenious contrivance, or the like; mental acuity, composure, and resourcefulness:using one's wits to get ahead.
- mental faculties; senses:to lose one's wits.
- See (def. 23).
- to remain alert and observant; be prepared for or equal to anything: to keep your wits about you in a crisis.
- 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.
- to know.
- 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.