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

One would think that such a noble ecclesiastic gathering would be governed by wisdom and good sense.

From Salon

But he notes that the recommendations are out of step with current wisdom on alcohol.

From Science Magazine

"There was nothing about John which fitted conventional wisdom", he said.

From BBC

But in the gutsy rasp of his voice you can hear hard-won wisdom regarding more than that.

From Los Angeles Times

The received wisdom said we were built from around 200 types of cell – such as heart muscle or nerve cells.

From BBC

Related Words

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