n.
Function: adjective
1 having or exhibiting a capacity for discernment and the intelligent application of knowledge FF1C; to be wise is to use knowledge well FF1E;
Synonyms: discerning, gnostic, insighted, insightful, knowing, knowledgeable, perceptive, sagacious, sage, sophic, wisehearted
Related Words: aware, grasping, intuitive, sensing; acute, keen, perspicacious; cogitative, contemplative, reflective, thoughtful; astute, sharp, shrewd
Contrasted Words: dull, obtuse, slow, slow-witted; insensitive, unaware, unknowing
Antonyms: unwise
2 exercising or involving sound judgment FF1C; wise management of scarce resources FF1E;
Synonyms: judgmatic, judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible; compare SHREWD
Related Words: canny, discreet, foresighted, provident; astute, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd; alert, bright, intelligent, keen, smart
Contrasted Words: careless, heedless, injudicious; improvident, imprudent, indiscreet, short-sighted
Antonyms: foolish, unwise
3
Synonyms: EXPEDIENT , advisable, politic, prudent, tactical
4 shrewdly aware and subtly resourceful FF1C; a wise operator with his eye always on the main chance FF1E;
Synonyms: canny, hep, knowing, nimble-witted, quick, quick-witted, sharp, sharp-witted, slick, smart; compare INTELLIGENT 2 , SHREWD
Related Words: cagey, foresighted, shrewd; artful, crafty, cunning, slippery, smooth, tricky, wily; steel-trap
Idioms: in the groove, not born yesterday, on the beam
Contrasted Words: narrow, prim, puritanical, straitlaced; conservative, plodding, ||square
5 presumptuously confident and self-assured FF1C; a bunch of wise kids tearing up the neighborhood FF1E;
Synonyms: ||biggety, bold, bold-faced, cheeky, forward, fresh, impudent, nervy, pert, procacious, sassy, smart, smart-alecky
Related Words: arrogant, brash, cocky, insolent; flip, flippant, impertinent, lippy, saucy
Contrasted Words: demure, mannerly, modest, proper; dull, priggish, stuffy