ingenious
Often confused with ingenuous
- 1Very cleverly made, planned or done.
The kids built an ingenious machine that feeds the cat.
Hanging bikes from the ceiling is an ingenious way to save space.
Similarartful
Oppositeclumsy, unoriginal
- 2Very clever and good at thinking up new ideas or new ways to do things.
The ingenious girl made a kite out of newspaper and sticks.
My grandpa is ingenious, and he can fix almost anything with wire and tape.
Similarclever, brilliant, smart, bright, gifted
Oppositeunimaginative, uninventive
Note
- 3Smart and original, or clever in a funny way.
She gave an ingenious answer that made the whole class laugh.
His ingenious excuse almost got him out of trouble.
Similarwitty, shrewd, sharp, quick-witted, adroit
Oppositedull, unimaginative
Practice
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Origin
From a Latin word meaning "gifted" or "naturally talented". It is related to the word engine.