[wise] n [ME, fr. OE wise; akin to OHG wisa manner, Gk eidos form, idein to see--more at wit] (bef. 12c): manner, way "in any ~"
[2]wise adj wis.er ; wis.est [ME wis, fr. OE wis; akin to OHG wis wise, OE witan to know--more at wit] (bef. 12c) 1 a: characterized by wisdom: marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment b: exercising sound judgment: prudent
2. a: evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information: knowing b: possessing inside information c: crafty, shrewd 3 archaic: skilled in magic or divination
4: insolent, smart-alecky, fresh -- wise.ly adv -- wise.ness n syn 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". [3]wise vb wised ; wis.ing vt (1905): to give instruction or information to: teach--usu. used with up ~ vi: to become informed or knowledgeable: learn--used with up [4]wise vt wised ; wis.ing [ME, fr. OE wisian; akin to ON visa to show the way, OE wis wise] (bef. 12c) 1 chiefly Scot a: direct, guide b: advise, persuade
2. chiefly Scot: to divert or impel in a given direction: send