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wise
/waɪz/
having good judgment
She gave me wise advice about my career.
Her suggestion was practical and showed deep understanding.
neutral
having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment
The wise old man shared his life lessons with the villagers.
His advice was respected due to his long experience.
It would be wise to save some money for emergencies.
This decision shows thoughtful consideration of future needs.
Often used to describe people, decisions, or actions that demonstrate sound judgment.
literary
having knowledge or learning
The wise men of the ancient kingdom studied the stars.
Their deep understanding of astronomy was legendary.
More common in historical or literary contexts.
Collocations
wise decisiona choice made with good judgmentwise choicea selection that shows understandingwise wordsadvice that is thoughtful and helpfulwise beyond one's yearsshowing maturity beyond age
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'wise'
While 'wise' is a strong word, it can sound formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like 'smart' or 'thoughtful' depending on context.
Gold Rule
Use 'wise' for deep judgment, not just intelligence
'Wise' implies not just knowledge but the ability to apply it wisely in practical situations. A person can be intelligent but not necessarily wise.
Word Origin
Old English wīs, from Proto-Germanic *wīsaz, derived from *witaną ('to know'). Related to Dutch wijs, German weise, and Old Norse vís.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe people who demonstrate good judgment or deep understanding. Often appears in proverbs and idioms (e.g., 'A wise man learns from the mistakes of others').
Word Breakdown
wise
having good judgment
rootEnglish Dictionary