Wit
/wɪt/noun
The ability to think and understand quickly; intelligence.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'wit' was also associated with the supernatural, implying a connection between intelligence and magical insight.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weid-
“to see, to know”
Old English
Old English
witan
“to know, to be aware of”
Middle English
Middle English
witte
“knowledge, understanding, intelligence”
15th Century
Middle English
wit
“mental faculties, intellect”
Modern English
English
wit
“the ability to think quickly and cleverly”