Smart Meaning
Smart Definition & Usage
Having or showing a quick-witted, intelligent, or perceptive mind.
Examples
- "She is one of the smartest students in the class."
- "He gave a smart answer to the complicated question."
- "The detective was known for his smart deductions."
- "It was a smart move to invest in that stock before the price skyrocketed."
- "I always feel smarter after having a conversation with her."
Neat, fashionable, or well-dressed in appearance.
Examples
- "He looked very smart in his new suit."
- "Her dress was smart and sophisticated, perfect for the gala."
- "She always knows how to dress smartly for any occasion."
- "The office has a smart, professional atmosphere."
- "He always keeps his shoes polished and his jacket smart."
Designed to be efficient or functional through the use of advanced technology.
Examples
- "She has a smart phone that can do almost anything."
- "The new smart home system controls everything from the lighting to the thermostat."
- "Smart cars are becoming increasingly popular for their energy efficiency."
- "I need to upgrade my computer to a smarter model."
- "A smart watch can track your health metrics in real-time."
To feel a sharp, stinging pain or discomfort.
Examples
- "The wound began to smart after I applied the antiseptic."
- "His eyes smarted from the smoke in the room."
- "She could feel her sunburn starting to smart after being outside too long."
- "I accidentally touched the hot pan and it smarted for a few seconds."
- "The insult really smarted, and I couldn’t shake it off."
Cultural Context
The word 'smart' has evolved over time. It originally referred to a sharp pain, derived from Middle English 'smerte', meaning 'painful'. Over time, its meaning expanded to refer to intelligence, appearance, and technology, all of which are highly valued in modern society.
A Smart Move
Story
A Smart Move
As Sarah walked into the interview room, she felt the weight of her preparation and her smartly chosen outfit. The blazer fit perfectly, and the heels clicked confidently on the floor. She knew she looked good, but what mattered most today was showing off her quick thinking. The interviewer, a sharply-dressed man named Mr. Harris, smiled at her. 'Well, Sarah, tell me about a time when you made a smart decision under pressure.' 'Well,' Sarah began, 'last year, when I was working on a project for my previous job, we were facing a tight deadline. My team was exhausted, but I suggested we take a smart break—refreshing ourselves with a quick walk around the block. That 15-minute break gave us the energy to finish the project on time and impress the client.' Mr. Harris raised his eyebrows, impressed. 'That's a smart strategy,' he said. 'Not just in terms of intelligence, but in knowing how to manage your team's needs.' Sarah smiled, realizing the word 'smart' applied in more ways than one today. As she left the interview, she couldn't help but feel proud of her smart choice to wear something that made her feel confident, and the smart strategy that had earned her the job offer just a few days later. On her way home, Sarah couldn't resist checking her phone. The new smart watch she'd bought yesterday buzzed, alerting her to a message from her friend, Emma. 'Smart move today! I knew you’d nail it.' Sarah chuckled, thankful for both the smart gadgets and the smart decisions that had brought her here.
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