What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brainy
Example
She is known for being brainy and always getting top grades in school. [brainy: adjective]
Example
He impressed everyone with his brainy analysis of the complex issue. [brainy: adjective]
clever
Example
She came up with a clever solution to the problem that no one else had thought of. [clever: adjective]
Example
He is known for his clever sense of humor and witty remarks. [clever: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clever is more commonly used than brainy in everyday language. Clever is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while brainy is less common and tends to be associated with academic achievements and intellectual pursuits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brainy and clever?
Both brainy and clever can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, brainy may lean slightly more towards a formal tone due to its association with academic excellence, while clever can be used in a wider range of formality levels.