Wise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wise

[waɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

wise decision

Having the ability to make good choices and decisions based on knowledge and experience.

Synonyms

astute, judicious, prudent, sensible, shrewd.

Examples of usage

  • It was a wise decision to invest in that company.
  • She is known for her wise advice to young professionals.
Context #2 | Noun

seek wisdom

A person who has the ability to make good judgments and decisions based on knowledge and experience.

Synonyms

expert, oracle, philosopher, sage, scholar.

Examples of usage

  • He is considered a wise in his community.
  • The wise of the village are consulted on important matters.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Socrates and Confucius emphasized the importance of wisdom as key to living a good life.
  • In many philosophical traditions, wisdom is viewed not just as knowledge but also as understanding how to apply it for better living.

Cultural Representation

  • In many cultures, the owl is a symbol of wisdom, often associated with learning and knowledge.
  • Various proverbs and sayings underline the significance of wisdom, such as 'wisdom comes with age' and 'a wise man learns more from fools than a fool learns from the wise'.

Psychology

  • Research shows that wisdom often involves a mix of cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and moral reasoning.
  • Studies suggest that older adults may have greater wisdom, as they are better at considering multiple perspectives and making balanced decisions.

Literature

  • Many classic tales feature wise characters, such as Merlin in Arthurian legend, who is known for his profound knowledge and guidance.
  • Quotes about wisdom are abundant in literature, with works by writers like Shakespeare often reflecting on its importance in human experience.

Origin of 'wise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wise' comes from the Old English 'wis', which meant 'knowing' or 'sensible'.
  • Related words like 'wit' (intelligence) and 'wisdom' (deep understanding) share the same roots, pointing to a long history of valuing knowledge.

The word 'wise' originated from the Old English word 'wīs', which means having the power of discerning and judging correctly as to what is true or right. Over time, the word has evolved to represent someone who possesses knowledge and experience to make good decisions. Being wise is often associated with age and life experience, as well as the ability to learn from past mistakes and apply that knowledge to future situations.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,422, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.