First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wise
noun \ˈwīz\
Definition of WISE
See wise defined for kids
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Origin of WISE
Middle English, from Old English wīse; akin to Old High German wīsa manner, Greek eidos form, idein to see — more at wit
2wise
adjective
: having or showing wisdom or knowledge usually from learning or experiencing many things
: based on good reasoning or information : showing good sense or judgment
: saying things that are rude or insulting
wis·erwis·est
Full Definition of WISE
1
a : characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment b : exercising or showing sound judgment : prudent <a wise investor>
2
a : evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information : knowing b : possessing inside information <the police got wise to his whereabouts> c : crafty, shrewd d : aware of or informed about a particular matter —usually used in the comparative in negative constructions with the <was none the wiser about their plans>
3
archaic : skilled in magic or divination
See wise defined for English-language learners
Origin of WISE
Middle English wis, from Old English wīs; akin to Old High German wīs wise, Old English witan to know — more at wit
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to WISE
- Synonyms
- discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, sage, sapient
- Antonyms
- unperceptive, unwise
Synonym Discussion of WISE
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>.
3wise
verb
wisedwis·ing
Definition of WISE
transitive verb
: to give instruction or information to : teach —usually used with up <wise him up about procedures>
intransitive verb
: to become informed or knowledgeable : learn —used with up
First Known Use of WISE
1905
4wise
verb
wisedwis·ing
Definition of WISE
transitive verb
2
chiefly Scottish : to divert or impel in a given direction : send
Origin of WISE
Middle English, from Old English wīsian; akin to Old Norse vīsa to show the way, Old English wīs wise
First Known Use: before 12th century
Wise
biographical name \ˈwīz\
Definition of WISE
Stephen Samuel 1874–1949 Am. (Hung.-born) rabbi
Wise
biographical name
Definition of WISE
Thomas James 1859–1937 Eng. bibliophile & forger
WISENESS Defined for Kids
1wise
adjective \ˈwīz\
wis·erwis·est
Definition of WISE for Kids
1
: having or showing good sense or good judgment : sensible <a wise woman> <a wise decision>
2
: having knowledge or information <I was wise to their trick.>
3
: rude or insulting in speech
— wise·ly adverb
2wise
noun
Definition of WISE for Kids
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