smart
UK[smɑːt]US[smɑːrt]
adj
Intelligent and able to think and understand quickly
adj
(of clothes, objects, etc.) neat, clean, and looking new and attractive
adj
(especially North American English) (of a device) able to react to instructions or situations in a way that seems intelligent
v
To feel a sharp, stinging pain (often physical, but can be emotional)
v
(old-fashioned) To feel upset and annoyed because you have been treated unfairly
Etymology
The word 'smart' originates from the Old English verb 'smeortan', meaning 'to be painful, to sting'. This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'smarta-', itself from the Proto-Indo-European root '(s)merd-', meaning 'to bite, to sting'. The semantic journey from physical pain to mental acuity is a classic example of metaphorical extension. The sense of 'sharp, stinging pain' evolved to describe a 'sharp, quick' mind or wit by the late 12th century. The modern sense of 'intelligent' became dominant by the 17th century, while the adjectival sense of 'neat, stylish' (as in a sharp appearance) emerged in the 18th century.
Analysis
The word 'smart' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a unified root in modern English, carrying meanings related to sharpness, both physical (pain) and mental (intelligence).
Examples
She's one of the smartest students in her class.
He wore a smart suit to the job interview.
The new smart thermostat adjusts the temperature based on your habits.