Genius vs. Clever — What's the Difference?

Unmatched talent in a specific area.

Apt at solving puzzles or problems.

Person with extraordinary intellectual power.

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

A strong inclination toward a particular talent.

Skilled at doing or achieving something; tactful.

A guiding spirit or influence.

Showing inventiveness or originality.

Exceptional natural capacity of intellect.

Marked by wit or ingenuity.

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;

Cleverness is shown through quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to new situations.

While some aspects of genius may be innate, education and environment also play significant roles in its development.

Geniuses are often recognized in sciences, arts, and mathematics.

A genius displays exceptional intellectual abilities, often contributing significantly to their field of expertise.

Geniuses are typically revered and considered extraordinary in their capabilities.

While high IQ can be a component, genius also involves creativity, persistence, and other qualities.

Cleverness allows individuals to effectively manage daily tasks and challenges with resourcefulness.

Absolutely, as it contributes to problem-solving, efficiency, and adaptability.

Not necessarily; geniuses may excel in unconventional ways that aren't always captured by academic achievements.

Experience, learning, and a keen understanding of one’s environment contribute to cleverness.

Yes, individuals can possess both high intellectual capacity and the resourcefulness associated with cleverness.

Clever people often innovate within their realm, though their innovations may not be as paradigm-shifting as those of geniuses.