Spanish Conversation · Level 53
75 words
Spanish word
ingenio
Pronunciation
IPA/iŋˈxenjo/
Meaning
- masculine nouningenuity
Example
El ingenio del equipo fue clave.
The team's ingenuity was key.
More examples
Ella supo mostrar ingenio ante el problema inesperado.
She knew how to display ingenuity when faced with the unexpected problem.
Core concept
A quick, inventive mind that produces original ideas or sharp responses.
Common phrases
mostrar ingenio
display ingenuity
tener ingenio
have wit
un acto de ingenio
a feat of ingenuity
Similar words
ingeniosidad: Skillful cleverness that crafts novel, well-executed problem-solving ideas.
creatividad: Generative imagination that brings forth new ideas, images, or perspectives.
inventiva: Hands-on inventiveness that devises practical tools, gadgets, or methods.
ocurrencia: A sudden idea or witty remark that comes to mind immediately.
Definition in Spanish
Capacidad para imaginar soluciones nuevas y encontrar ideas rápidas y hábiles ante problemas o en la conversación.
Word origin
Derived from Latin ingenium 'innate disposition or talent', ingenio refers to the faculty of inventive intelligence and quick wit in speech or action.
Usage tips
- Common expressions with this word include tener ingenio to praise quick wit, mostrar ingenio to show cleverness, and falta de ingenio to note a lack of inventiveness.
Other meanings
- resourcefulnessnoun
- witnoun
Opposites
- mediocridadmediocritynoun
- previsibilidadpredictabilitynoun
Related words
- ingeniosowittyadjective
- ingeniosidadinventivenessnoun
- ingeniosamentewittilyadverb