wise
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.”
How to use wise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving good judgment and sound experience — or, in slang, being cheeky or smart-mouthed.
The old noun sense ("manner, way") survives mainly inside compound words like "likewise" and "otherwise," not as a standalone word in modern speech.
Word forms
wiser comparative, more wise comparative, wised past tense, wised past tense, wises plural, wises singular, wises singular, wisest superlative, most wise superlative
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
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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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