Witfulness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The trait of having a sharp and quick intelligence combined with a sense of humor
2. The characteristic of displaying sharp intelligence alongside a playful and amusing nature
3. The attribute of combining quick mental insight with a charming and entertaining wit

Etymology: "Witfulness" is simply the noun formed from "witful," an adjective meaning full of wit, with the suffix "-ness" added to turn a quality into a thing you can name. The adjective is itself built from "wit" and the suffix "-ful," which means "full of," so the word literally describes the state of being full of wit. The interest lies in the older sense of "wit." In Old English, "wit" meant mind, understanding or reason, and it only gradually narrowed toward the quick, playful cleverness we now associate with it. "Witfulness" therefore carries that broader sense of intelligence with it, with the sharpness and humour of the modern meaning layered on top.

Synonyms: cleverness, smartness, intelligence

Antonyms: foolishness, ignorance