atamai

1. (stative) be knowing, quick-witted, ready, intelligent.

He kiri waitutu tērā tangata a Murupaenga, he tangata tūkaha te tipu, atamai te āhua (TTR 1990:62). / That man Murupaenga was a dark-skinned person, strongly built, with an intelligent expression.

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2. (modifier) knowing, quick-witted, ready, intelligent.

He wahine a Mākereti i rongonuitia tōna ātaahua, tōna whanonga whakahoahoa me tōna hinengaro atamai, ā, nā reira a ia i whāia ai hei kaiārahi (TTR 1996:120). / Mākereti was renowned for her beauty, charm and quick mind, and so sought after as a guide.

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Synonyms: whiwhita, naho, ngutu atamai, riterite, rite, reri, takatū, mōhiotanga, mūrere, muremure, ihumanea, aweko, uhumanea

3. (noun) intellect, intelligent person.

Ehara te ao Māori i te mata kohore, i te pōrewarewa rānei engari ia he atamai, he ihumanea (TTTT 2006:12). / The Māori world is not bleary-eyed or stupid but intelligent and clever.

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