wit

Pronunciation: /wɪt/ (IPA), "wit" (American)

Origin: Old English "wit" (mind, understanding), from Proto-Germanic *witjan (to know)

Part of Speech: noun, verb

Meanings:

1. (noun) Quick, clever humor or intelligence, especially in speech
2. (noun) A person possessing quick intellect or humor
3. (verb, archaic) To know or be aware of

Example Sentences:

1. Her quick wit often lightened the mood in tense meetings.
2. Oscar Wilde was known as one of the greatest wits of his time.
3. (archaic) He wist not what to do in such a difficult situation.

Related Words:

• Forms: wits (plural noun), witted (adjective)
• Synonyms: cleverness, humor, intellect, acumen, repartee

Memorization Tricks:

• Think of "wit" as "quick thinking" - both are short and snappy.
• Associate "wit" with "W.I.T." - "Words, Intelligence, Timing" - key elements of wit.
• Remember: A witty person is never at their "wits' end" (out of ideas).