wisdom

[ wiz-duhm ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

   Synonyms: understanding, sense

   Antonyms: stupidity

2. scholarly knowledge or learning:

   the wisdom of the schools.

   Synonyms: sapience, enlightenment, erudition

   Antonyms: ignorance

3. wise sayings or teachings; precepts.
4. a wise act or saying.
5. (initial capital letter) Douay Bible. Wisdom of Solomon.

wisdom

/ ˈwɪzdəm /

noun

1. the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight
2. accumulated knowledge, erudition, or enlightenment
3. archaic.
   a wise saying or wise sayings or teachings
4. obsolete.
   soundness of mind

Other Words From

• wisdom·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wisdom¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English wīsdōm; cognate with Old Norse vīsdōmr, German Weistum. See wise ¹, -dom

Word History and Origins

Origin of wisdom¹

Old English wīsdōm; see wise ¹, -dom

Synonym Study

See information.

Example Sentences

“He has a listening sensitivity that allows him to not only play beautifully every time out, but to make the musicians around him become the beneficiaries of his musical wisdom.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We want to thank him for the dedication and wisdom he’s brought to all his work at CNN and to wish him the very best for future.”

From Los Angeles Times

She does a lot of these inspirational talks, and “Master of Me” has a bit of that trademark cheerleader energy — a unique blend of dishy, behind-the-scenes tell-all and conversational wisdom.

From Los Angeles Times

“Off-screen, Tony was cherished as a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of kindness and wisdom,” Goldberg’s company said.

From Los Angeles Times

This bit of wisdom from Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz was embraced Tuesday night by an increasingly frazzled American electorate seeking a refuge from potentially catastrophic news.

From Salon

Related Words

• acumen
• caution
• common sense
• experience
• foresight
• insight
• intelligence
• judgment
• knowledge
• poise
• prudence
• sanity
• savvy
• sophistication
• understanding