Genius vs. Clever — What's the Difference?

A genius is a person who displays exceptional intellectual ability, creative productivity, universality in genres, or originality, typically to a degree that is associated with the achievement of new discoveries or advances in a domain of knowledge. Geniuses may be polymaths who excel across many diverse subjects or may show high achievements in only a single kind of activity.There is no scientifically precise definition of a genius.

Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent

Extraordinary intellectual and creative power

Healthy or well

A person of extraordinary intellect and talent.

Mentally quick and original; bright

A person who has an exceptionally high intelligence quotient, typically above 140.

Skilled at accomplishing things, especially with the hands

A strong natural talent, aptitude, or inclination

Crafty; cunning

One who has such a talent or inclination

Exhibiting ingenuity or imagination; creative or artful

The prevailing spirit or distinctive character, as of a place, a person, or an era

Witty; amusing

Pl. ge·ni·i (jēnē-ī′) Roman Mythology A tutelary deity or guardian spirit of a person or place.

Characterized by cunning or shrewdness

Someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill; especially somebody who has demonstrated this by a creative or original work in science, music, art etc.

New England Easily managed; docile

Extraordinary mental capacity.

Chiefly Southern US Good-natured; amiable.

Inspiration, a mental leap, an extraordinary creative process.

Nimble with hands or body; skillful; adept.

The tutelary deity or spirit of a place or person.

Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent.

(informal) Ingenious, brilliant, very clever, or original.

Mentally quick and resourceful.

A good or evil spirit, or demon, supposed by the ancients to preside over a man's destiny in life; a tutelary deity; a supernatural being; a spirit, good or bad. Cf. Jinnee.

Skilled at achieving what one wants, especially via unusual methods.

The peculiar structure of mind with which each individual is endowed by nature; that disposition or aptitude of mind which is peculiar to each man, and which qualifies him for certain kinds of action or special success in any pursuit; special taste, inclination, or disposition; as, a genius for history, for poetry, or painting.

Smart, intelligent, or witty; mentally quick or sharp.

Peculiar character; animating spirit, as of a nation, a religion, a language.

(of objects or actions) Showing inventiveness or originality; witty.

Distinguished mental superiority; uncommon intellectual power; especially, superior power of invention or origination of any kind, or of forming new combinations; as, a man of genius.

Possessing magical abilities.

A man endowed with uncommon vigor of mind; a man of superior intellectual faculties and creativity; as, Shakespeare was a rare genius.

(obsolete) Fit; suitable; having propriety.

Someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality;

(obsolete) Well-shaped; handsome.

Unusual mental ability

Good-natured; obliging.

Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

Fit and healthy; free from fatigue or illness.

Exceptional creative ability

Possessing quickness of intellect, skill, dexterity, talent, or adroitness; expert.

A natural talent;

Showing skill or adroitness in the doer or former; as, a clever speech; a clever trick.

Having fitness, propriety, or suitableness.

Well-shaped; handsome.

Good-natured; obliging.

Skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends;

Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others;

Mentally quick and resourceful;

Showing inventiveness and skill;