What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deft
Example
The chef was deftly chopping vegetables with a sharp knife. [deftly: adverb]
Example
She showed a deft touch in handling the sensitive issue. [deft: adjective]
clever
Example
He came up with a clever solution to the problem. [clever: adjective]
Example
She cleverly avoided answering the question directly. [cleverly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clever is more commonly used than deft in everyday language. Clever is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while deft is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deft and clever?
Deft is typically associated with a more formal tone, while clever can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
