wise¹ Definition
wise (wīz)
adjective wis′er, wis′·est
- having or showing good judgment; sagacious; prudent
- prompted by wisdom; judicious; sound a wise saying, wise action
- having information; informed none the wiser
- learned; erudite
- shrewd; crafty; cunning
- Now Dial. having knowledge of black magic, etc.
- ☆ Slang
- annoyingly self-assured, knowing, conceited, etc.
- impudent; fresh
Etymology: ME wis < OE, akin to witan, to know, OHG wis, MDu wijs < PGmc *wisa-, wise < IE *weid- < base *w(e)di-, to see, know > Sans vēdas, knowledge, Gr idris, knowing, L videre, to see
wise¹ Related Forms
wise¹ Idioms
be (or get) wise to
☆Slang to be (or become) aware of; have (or attain) a proper understanding of
get wise
☆ Slang- to become aware of the true facts or circumstances
- to become impudent
put someone wise (to)
☆Slang to give someone information, an explanation, etc. (about); enlighten someone (concerning)
wise up
☆Slang to make or become informed, insightful, etc.
wise² Definition
wise (wīz)
noun
way; manner: used chiefly in such phrases as in no wise and in this wise
Etymology: ME < OE, akin to Ger weise (orig. sense prob. “appearance”): for IE base see wise
wise³ Definition
wise (wīz)
transitive verb wised, wis′·ing
- to direct or guide
- to convey or conduct
Etymology: ME wisen < OE wisian, akin to ON visa, Goth (fulla-)weisjan, OHG wisen < base of wise
Wise Definition
Wise (wīz)
Wise, Stephen Samuel 1874-1949; U.S. rabbi & Jewish leader, born in Hungary
Wise, Thomas James 1859-1937; Eng. bibliophile, editor, & forger
wise Synonyms
wise
modif.
Judicious
clever, sagacious, perceptive, understanding; see rational 1, thoughtful 1.Shrewd
calculating, cunning, crafty; see sly 1.Prudent
Erudite
knowledgeable, scholarly, smart; see educated 1, learned 1.*Impudent
wise Usage Examples
Infinitive complement
- consult: This is probable but it is wise to consult a tax adviser on such financial issues.
- remember: The numbers of cases are low, but it is wise to remember that carelessness could result in one of these painful conditions.
- check: It would be wise to check the web version in case details change!
- invest: Business leaders may expect things to muddle along but 2003 may be a time for the wise to invest.
- avoid: It is probably wise to avoid driving for at least four weeks; insurance companies may be unhappy should a problem arise earlier.
- assume: In very high threat environments, it is wise to assume that unevaluated software does contain Trojan horses.
Modifying Another Word
- worldly: Maddie would like to think of herself as worldly wise and independent but she does have a softer side which emerges every so often.
- politically: April 20, 1778 Robin Hood ' Whether it would be politically wise to declare war against France, without first declaring America independent?
- truly: In fact if he is truly wise he will understand that it is good for him to have enemies.
Preposition: unto
salvation: The " sacred writings are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Modifies a noun
- counsel: I, in particular, will miss her wise counsel.
- man: Lydia You'll meet the wisest men in the world.
- precaution: Everyone agreed this was the best place for it and probably a wise safety precaution.
- saying: Proverbs This is a collection of wise sayings, or proverbs.
- boilies: Bait wise, boilies are by far the best bait with all the leading makes and flavors working on the day.
- stewardship: The wise stewardship of environmental resources is a key issue facing us in the 21st Century.
Used with adjective complement
- seem: It seems wise to continue to refer in this discussion to specific texts rather than simply to groups of texts.
- grow: They will be at the heart of an extended learning community as we seek as a church to grow wiser in our missionary practice.
- become: Yet, almost paradoxically, failure is also part of becoming wise.
- appear: However, I imagined that I was in a tight place, and it appeared wisest to leave the stuff alone.
Browse dictionary entries near wise
- ‹ wisdom tooth
- ‹ Wisdom of Solomon
- ‹ Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach
- ‹ Wisdom, Norman
- ‹ wisdom
- ‹ Wisconsinite
- ‹ Wisconsin
- ‹ wis
- ‹ wiry
- ‹ wirra

