sage
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for sage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wise, especially through experience and good judgment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French sage, ultimately from Latin sapere ("to taste, to be wise") — the same root behind "savvy" and "sapient."
Full origin of sage →Frequently asked questions
What does “sage” mean?
The word “sage” means wise, especially through experience and good judgment. In plain terms, deeply wise (as an adjective or describing a wise person), or the gray-green cooking herb.
How do you pronounce “sage”?
“Sage” is pronounced sayj (/seɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sage” in a sentence?
Here is “sage” used in a sentence: “She offered some sage advice about handling difficult coworkers.”
What is another word for “sage”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sage” include loremaster, oracle, savant and philosopher.
What is the opposite of “sage”?
The opposite of “sage” — its antonyms — is fool.
What part of speech is “sage”?
Depending on how it is used, “sage” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “sage” come from?
The word “sage” comes from Latin. From Old French sage, ultimately from Latin sapere ("to taste, to be wise") — the same root behind "savvy" and "sapient.".
Is “sage” a common word?
“Sage” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between sage and wise?
Sage and wise both describe good judgment, but sage often carries a stronger sense of judgment earned through long experience, frequently associated with age or deep reflection. Wise is more general and can describe sound judgment at any stage of life.
Is sage the herb related to the word sage meaning wise?
The herb sage and the adjective sage meaning wise are generally treated as separate senses of the same word rather than as the same origin, though both have long histories in English. In everyday use, context makes clear whether someone means the plant used in cooking or the quality of wisdom.
What is sage used for in cooking?
Sage is an aromatic herb used in cooking to flavor dishes such as stuffing, roasted meats, and sauces. It comes from the plant Salvia officinalis or related species in the same genus.