Wisely: meaning, definitions and examples

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wisely

[ˈwaɪzli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in making decisions

In a wise manner; showing good judgement or intelligence in decision-making.

Synonyms

judiciously, prudently, sagaciously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wisely	Use 'wisely' when referring to making decisions based on good judgment and experience, often emphasizing the positive outcome or smartness of the choice. She invested her money wisely and now enjoys a comfortable retirement He chose his words wisely during the negotiation
prudently	Use 'prudently' to imply cautious and careful planning, especially in financial or safety-related matters, highlighting the avoidance of unnecessary risks. They prudently saved a portion of their income for emergencies He acted prudently by not investing in the risky venture
sagaciously	Use 'sagaciously' to describe actions or decisions made with deep wisdom or foresight, often implying a higher level of insight or intelligence. He sagaciously predicted the market trends years before they happened The leader guided his team sagaciously through challenging times
judiciously	Use 'judiciously' in formal settings, emphasizing careful judgment and the avoidance of risk, often in professional or legal contexts. The judge applied the law judiciously in reaching a fair verdict Resources should be allocated judiciously to ensure maximum efficiency

Examples of usage

She wisely chose to invest her money in the stock market.
He wisely decided to seek advice from a financial advisor before making a major purchase.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in speaking or acting

In a manner that shows care and thought for the future consequences of one's actions.

Synonyms

carefully, prudently, thoughtfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wisely	When making decisions that require a lot of knowledge and understanding. Often used when someone is making choices that show good judgment and intelligence. She invested her money wisely. He wisely decided to call for help instead of trying to fix the problem himself.
thoughtfully	When actions or decisions are made with consideration for others and deep reflection. This is often used when someone is being considerate or reflective. He thoughtfully paused before responding to her question. She thoughtfully planned a surprise birthday party.
carefully	When performing tasks that need attention to detail and caution to avoid mistakes or accidents. This is common in everyday situations where precision is important. He carefully poured the hot coffee. She carefully followed the instructions.
prudently	Used in situations that require careful planning and consideration, usually involving financial or resource management. This often implies a sense of foresight and caution. She prudently saved part of her salary every month. They prudently invested in low-risk securities.

Examples of usage

She wisely refrained from making any comments that could offend her colleagues.
He wisely decided to apologize for his mistake before it escalated into a bigger issue.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'wis', meaning wise or knowing.
Originally, 'wisely' was used to describe actions that showed intelligence or good sense.
The root word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'wisan', which also relates to knowledge and insight.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Socrates believed that true wisdom involves knowing oneself and understanding limits.
Eastern philosophies often emphasize the importance of wise action for achieving harmony and balance in life.
In many cultures, wisdom is considered one of the highest virtues, encompassing knowledge, experience, and good judgment.

Cultural References

The phrase 'wisdom of ages' is often used to signify knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
In various cultures, elders are respected for their wisdom, reflecting the belief that experience brings insight.
Stories like Aesop's fables frequently impart moral lessons, demonstrating the importance of acting wisely in different situations.

Psychology

Studies show that wise decision-making can lead to better mental health and life satisfaction.
Wisdom is often associated with emotional regulation, meaning wise individuals can better control their feelings in tough situations.
Research indicates that wisdom is linked to perspective-taking and empathy, fostering stronger community connections.

Education

Teaching children how to think critically is essential for developing wise decision-making skills.
Wisdom is sometimes considered a skill that can be taught, emphasizing the importance of experience and reflection.
Educational systems that encourage debate and discussion often produce students who make wiser choices in their lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "wisely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sabiamente

🇮🇳 समझदारी से

🇩🇪 weise

🇮🇩 bijaksana

🇺🇦 мудро

🇵🇱 mądrze

🇯🇵 賢明に (けんめいに)

🇫🇷 sagement

🇪🇸 sabiamente

🇹🇷 bilgece

🇰🇷 현명하게

🇸🇦 بحكمة

🇨🇿 moudře

🇸🇰 múdro

🇨🇳 明智地 (míngzhì de)

🇸🇮 modro

🇮🇸 viturlega

🇰🇿 даналықпен

🇬🇪 გონივრულად

🇦🇿 ağıllı şəkildə

🇲🇽 sabiamente

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,108 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8105 swim
8106 multiplication
8107 desperately
8108 wisely
8109 willingly
8110 ambient
8111 ethanol
...