/ waɪz; NAmE / adjective , verb
■ adjective ( wiser , wis·est )
1.
( of people ) able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have :
a wise old man
I'm older and wiser after ten years in the business.
2.
( of actions and behaviour ) sensible; based on good judgement :
a wise decision
SYN prudent :
It was very wise to leave when you did.
The wisest course of action is just to say nothing.
I was grateful for her wise counsel.
► wise·ly adverb :
She nodded wisely.
He wisely decided to tell the truth.
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IDIOMS
- be none the wiser | not be any the wiser
- be wise after the event
- be / get wise to sb/sth
- put sb wise (to sth)
■ verb
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PHRASAL VERBS
- wise up (to sth)
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English wīs , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wijs and German weise .