Difference Between - Smart and clever are both positive adjectives that refer to the intelligence or the aptitude of a person. Both adjectives refer to the ability to understand, learn quickly and devise or apply ideas appropriately. Although the meanings of these two adjectives are similar, there are subtle differences in their meaning and usage. The main difference between smart and clever is that clever connotes a sense of originality or ingenuity whereas smart doesn’t. Smart is also used to describe the physical appearance of an individual.