geistesgegenwärtig
Translation
quick-witted, alert, with presence of mind
Examples
Er reagierte geistesgegenwärtig.
He reacted with presence of mind.
Ihre geistesgegenwärtige Handlung verhinderte Schlimmeres.
Her quick-witted action prevented something worse.
Grammar Patterns
to ((verb)) with presence of mind (adverbial) She reacted with presence of mind.
a quick-witted ((noun)) (attributive) He is a quick-witted person.
Similar Words
Synonyms: quick-witted, alert; Antonyms: absent-minded
Etymology
Composed of 'Geist' (spirit, mind) and 'gegenwärtig' (present). It literally translates to 'spirit-present' or 'mind-present'.
Memory Tips
Break it down: your 'Geist' (mind) is 'gegenwärtig' (present), not somewhere else, so you're alert.