I. ˈwīz noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wīse; akin to Old High German wīsa manner, Greek eidos form, idein to see — more at wit
Date: before 12th century
: manner , way
in any wise
II. adjective
( 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
III. verb
( wised ; wis·ing )
Date: 1905
transitive verb
: to give instruction or information to : teach — usually used with up
wise him up about procedures
intransitive verb
: to become informed or knowledgeable : learn — used with up
IV. transitive verb
( wised ; wis·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wīsian; akin to Old Norse vīsa to show the way, Old English wīs wise
Date: before 12th century
1. chiefly Scottish
a. : direct , guide
b. : advise , persuade
2. chiefly Scottish : to divert or impel in a given direction : send