wisdom

noun wis·dom \ˈwiz-dəm\

: knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life

: the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand

: knowledge of what is proper or reasonable : good sense or judgment

Full Definition of WISDOM

a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : knowledge

b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : insight

c : good sense : judgment

d : generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — Robert Darnton>

: a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

: the teachings of the ancient wise men

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Origin of WISDOM

Middle English, from Old English wīsdōm, from wīs wise

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WISDOM

Synonyms: discernment, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience

Antonyms: imprudence, indiscretion

Synonym Discussion of WISDOM

sense, common sense, judgment, wisdom mean ability to reach intelligent conclusions. sense implies a reliable ability to judge and decide with soundness, prudence, and intelligence <a choice showing good sense>. common sense suggests an average degree of such ability without sophistication or special knowledge <common sense tells me it's wrong>. judgment implies sense tempered and refined by experience, training, and maturity <they relied on her judgment for guidance>. wisdom implies sense and judgment far above average <a leader of rare wisdom>.

Wisdom

noun

Definition of WISDOM

: a didactic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and corresponding to the Wisdom of Solomon in the Protestant Apocrypha — see bible table