'cleverly-applied' originates from the combination of 'cleverly,' an adverb form of 'clever,' and 'applied,' the past participle of 'apply.' 'Clever' comes from Middle English 'cliver,' meaning 'skillful,' and 'apply' comes from Latin 'applicare,' meaning 'to attach or join.'

'Cleverly' evolved from Middle English 'cliver' and 'applied' from Latin 'applicare,' eventually forming the modern English compound adjective 'cleverly-applied.'

Initially, 'cleverly' meant 'skillful or ingenious,' and 'applied' meant 'put into practice.' The compound 'cleverly-applied' retains these meanings, emphasizing skillful application.