rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryingeniousCleverly inventive
adjective

ingenious

in-JEEN-ee-us/ɪnˈdʒiːniəs/

Showing cleverness in inventing or solving problems.

The ingenious watering device uses a simple lever and raised container.

An inventive gravity-fed watering device uses a raised reused container and a simple lever valve to water a potted plant; a maker adjusts the clever mechanism.
Etymology
ingenLatininborn ability
+iousLatinfull of

Latin ingenium meant inborn ability: being full of natural talent developed into being skilled at invention. The adjective also came to describe things whose clever design displays that skill.

In context

Infinite Nature2:44
the shrike has developed a workaround that is both ingenious and horrifying the shrike uses sharp objects in its environment as makeshift weapons
5 Terrifying Facts About the Butcher Bird: The Shrike

More examples

  • She devised an ingenious solution.
  • The lock had an ingenious mechanism.
  • His explanation revealed an ingenious approach.

Forms

ingenious

ingenuity noun — cleverness in solving problems

Similar words

clever
Broader than inventive problem-solving.
inventive
Emphasizes creating original ideas or devices.