wise
wyz
Wise (adj) means showing good judgment, sound sense, or the benefit of experience. Example: “It would be wise to save some of the money instead of spending it all.”
adj
1
Showing good judgment, sound sense, or the benefit of experience.
"It would be wise to save some of the money instead of spending it all."
"Her grandmother always gave wise advice about relationships."
"It was a wise decision to leave early and avoid the traffic."
2
Disrespectful or cheeky, especially in speech (informal).
"Don't get wise with me, young man."
"He made a wise remark and got sent to the principal's office."
"The boy gave a wise answer, and the teacher frowned at him."
verb
1
To become informed or alert to something, usually as "wise up."
"She finally wised up to his constant excuses."
"It's time you wised up and started taking this seriously."
"You need to wise up before someone takes advantage of your kindness."
noun
1
A way, manner, or fashion of doing something (now mostly used in fixed phrases like "in no wise" or "otherwise").
"In no wise did he intend to offend anyone."
"The recipe is simple, and in no wise difficult for a beginner."
"She did not complain in any wise, though the delay annoyed her."
How to use wise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving good judgment and sound experience — or, in slang, being cheeky or smart-mouthed.
Common mistake
The old noun sense ("manner, way") survives mainly inside compound words like "likewise" and "otherwise," not as a standalone word in modern speech.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wise decision
wise up
wise old man
get wise with someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- wises
- Third person singular
- wises
- Past tense
- wised
- Comparative
- wiser, more wise
- Superlative
- wisest, most wise
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It would be _____ to save some of the money instead of spending it all.
Etymology
From Old English wis, meaning "knowledgeable" or "wise," tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to see" — the same root that gives us "wit" and "vision."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for wise
See all rhymes for wise →Frequently asked questions
What does “wise” mean?
The word “wise” means showing good judgment, sound sense, or the benefit of experience. In plain terms, having good judgment and sound experience — or, in slang, being cheeky or smart-mouthed.
How do you pronounce “wise”?
“Wise” is pronounced wyz (/waɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “wise” in a sentence?
Here is “wise” used in a sentence: “It would be wise to save some of the money instead of spending it all.”
What is another word for “wise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wise” include astute, clairvoyant, deep, frood, grounded and judicious.
What is the opposite of “wise”?
The opposite of “wise” — its antonyms — are unwise and foolish.
What part of speech is “wise”?
Depending on how it is used, “wise” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wise” come from?
The word “wise” comes from Old English. From Old English wis, meaning "knowledgeable" or "wise," tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to see" — the same root that gives us "wit" and "vision.".
Is “wise” a common word?
“Wise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between wise and wisdom?
Wise is an adjective describing a person or action that shows good judgment — a wise decision, a wise leader. Wisdom is the noun naming the quality itself: the deep understanding and sound judgment that a wise person possesses. In short, someone who has wisdom behaves in a wise way.
Can wisdom be taught?
Knowledge can be taught directly, but wisdom is harder to hand over because it grows from experience, reflection, and learning from mistakes. Teachers, mentors, and books can guide someone toward it, yet becoming truly wise usually takes time and lived experience. That is why wisdom is often associated with age.
What is the difference between wise and clever?
Clever describes quick mental sharpness — being good at solving problems or thinking fast. Wise goes deeper, describing sound judgment about what really matters and how to act well. A clever person finds smart answers; a wise person knows which questions are worth asking and chooses the right course.
Is wise a positive word?
Yes, wise is almost always a compliment. Calling a person, choice, or piece of advice wise means it shows good sense and sound judgment. The main exception is ironic use, such as calling someone a 'wise guy,' which mockingly means they are cheeky or a smart aleck rather than genuinely thoughtful.
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