Where does “clever” come from?
Clever comes from Middle English cliver, from Old English clifer, of uncertain origin and meaning.
clever (English): Nimble with hands or body; skillful; adept;...
Definitions
- Nimble with hands or body; skillful; adept;...
Ancestry of “clever”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Middle English | cliver | tenacious |
| 2 | Old English | clifer | claw, hand |
Words derived from “clever”