Dictionary

1sage

adjective \ˈsāj\

: very wise

sag·ersag·est

Full Definition of SAGE

1
a :  wise through reflection and experience
b archaic :  grave, solemn
2
:  proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment <sage advice>
sage·ly adverb
sage·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of SAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *sapius, from Latin sapere to taste, have good taste, be wise; akin to Oscan sipus knowing, Old Saxon ansebbian to perceive
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of SAGE

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>.

Rhymes with SAGE

2sage

noun

Definition of SAGE

1
:  one (as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom
2
:  a mature or venerable man of sound judgment

First Known Use of SAGE

14th century

3sage

noun

Definition of SAGE

1
a :  a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats; broadly :  salvia
b :  the fresh or dried leaves of sage
2
:  sagebrush
3
:  a light grayish green

Illustration of SAGE

Origin of SAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French sage, salge, from Latin salvia, from salvus healthy; from its use as a medicinal herb — more at safe
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Sage

biographical name \ˈsāj\

Definition of SAGE

Russell 1816–1906 Am. financier
SAGE Defined for Kids

1sage

adjective \ˈsāj\

Definition of SAGE for Kids

:  1wise 1 <She gave sage advice.>
sage·ly adverb <He nodded sagely.>

2sage

noun

Definition of SAGE for Kids

:  a very wise person

3sage

noun

Definition of SAGE for Kids

1
:  a mint with grayish green leaves used especially to flavor foods
2
:  sagebrush
Medical Dictionary

sage

noun \ˈsāj\

Medical Definition of SAGE

:  a perennial mint of the genus Salvia (S. officinalis) having grayish green pungent and aromatic leaves that are much used in flavoring foods and as a mild tonic and astringent; broadly :  any plant of the genus Salvia
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears