Wisdom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Philosophy

• Many philosophers, including Socrates, believed that wisdom starts with knowing what you do not know.
• In Eastern philosophy, particularly Confucianism, wisdom is closely tied to morality and proper behavior.
• The concept of wisdom has been debated for centuries, with different cultures emphasizing its importance in different aspects of life.

Cultural References

• Proverbs from various cultures, like 'Wisdom is better than strength', highlight the value placed on intelligence and knowledge.
• In many fairy tales and folklore, wise characters, like the old sage or grandfather, often guide heroes on their journeys.
• The owl, a common symbol of wisdom in Western culture, appears in literature and art as a representation of deep knowledge.

Psychology

• Research suggests that wisdom is linked to psychological health, including better emotional regulation and greater empathy.
• Character strengths such as perspective and humility are often associated with wise individuals.
• Studies show that older adults generally report higher levels of wisdom, as it often comes with life experience.

Literature

• Wisdom literature, such as the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, is dedicated to teachings about being wise.
• Classic stories, like those of King Solomon, emphasize the profound impact of wisdom in leadership and governance.
• Famous works, including Shakespeare’s plays, often explore the contrast between wisdom and folly in human decision-making.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'wisdom' comes from the Old English 'wisdom', which means 'knowledge' or 'sagacity'.
• It is related to the German word 'Wissenschaft', which means 'knowledge or science'.
• In ancient times, wisdom was often associated with moral virtues and living a good life.

The word 'wisdom' has its roots in Old English and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*wisdōm'. It is derived from the base word 'wīs', meaning 'wise', and the suffix '-dom', which denotes a state or condition. The concept of wisdom has been valued throughout history in various cultures, often associated with age, experience, and the ability to make sound judgments. Wisdom is often linked to philosophical and spiritual teachings, with the pursuit of wisdom considered a noble and lifelong endeavor.

See also: unwise, unwisely, wisecrack, wisely.

At position #2,712, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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