Main Entry: ²wise

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): wis·er; wis·est

Etymology: Middle English wis, from Old English wīs; akin to Old High German wīs wise, Old English witan to know — more at wit

Date: before 12th century

1 a : characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment b : exercising or showing sound judgment : prudent <a wise investor>
2 a : evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information : knowing b : possessing inside information <the police got wise to his whereabouts> c : crafty, shrewd d : aware of or informed about a particular matter —usually used in the comparative in negative constructions with the <was none the wiser about their plans>
3 archaic : skilled in magic or divination
4 : insolent, smart-alecky, fresh <a tough kid with a wise mouth>

— wise·ly adverb

— wise·ness noun

synonyms wise, sage, sapient, judicious, prudent, sensible, sane mean having or showing sound judgment. wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them <wise beyond his tender years>. sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom <the sage advice of my father>. sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment <the sapient musings of an old philosopher>. judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions <judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure>. prudent suggests exercise of the restraint of sound practical wisdom and discretion <a prudent decision to wait out the storm>. sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality <a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery>. sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness <remained sane even in times of crises>.