n.
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: wis · er ; wis · est
Etymology: Middle English wis, from Old English w ī s; akin to Old High German w ī s 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>.