wisely

American  

[wahyz-lee] / ˈwaɪz li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows good sense or judgment; prudently.

   In taking good care of our health, we have to be well-informed and wisely cautious.

2. in a way that shows depth of discernment or understanding; insightfully.

   Albert Einstein wisely observed that we can't solve today's problems with the same thinking that created those problems.

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Etymology

Origin of wisely

wise ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you do something wisely, you act in a thoughtful way, based on your own knowledge. Did you use your money wisely? Or did you spend it all on candy? Use this adverb for things people do that are (or appear to be) based on good judgment and experience. Smile wisely at your friend and they might think you know what you're talking about when you describe the UFO that landed in your back yard last night. But if they wisely ask you more questions and start to look skeptical, don't be surprised!

Example Sentences

"My message is going to be: have the discipline on the fiscal front. You don't have much fiscal space. Use it very wisely, don't make the job of central bankers harder."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

"It's not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on table," Leavitt responded.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Ehrlich sent Simon a check for $576.07 and wisely declined the offer to reup the bet, which he would have lost in 2000 as well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

“This is not a teacher and it’s not a student, either,” she wisely said of the iPad at the time.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

Most of the people in my village finally decided that the man had chosen wisely, but everyone kept talking about what the tortoise had said.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau

Related Words

• carefully
• intelligently
• judiciously
• sensibly
• shrewdly