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Definition of "wise" []

  • Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. (adjective)
  • Exhibiting common sense; prudent: a wise decision. (adjective)
  • Shrewd; crafty. (adjective)
  • Having great learning; erudite. (adjective)
  • Provided with information; informed. Used with to: was wise to the politics of the department. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "wise" in a sentence
  • "Were all men simply wise and just, all predicating of certain men that they were _more_, or _most, wise_ or _just_, would be at once absurd and without utility."
  • "_He that walketh with the wise shall be wise_ (Prov.xiii. 20) is as true to-day as when first uttered."
  • "The divergence of such a syllogism from the _Dictum_ may, however, be easily shown to be superficial by writing, instead of _No wise man fears death_, the simple, converse, _No man who fears death is wise_."