sagely

[ seyj-lee ]

adverb

1. with a knowing or thoughtful expression; in a way that suggests careful reflection:

   By way of response, my father only puffed on his pipe and nodded sagely.

2. in a wise or judicious way; insightfully:

   As someone has sagely pointed out, today's idiot will be tomorrow's beacon of truth.

adjective

1. Rare. wise or judicious; insightful:

   A lot of people think that, like a sagely seaman who acquires wisdom and whiskers as his years trickle away on the sea, all traditions gain value as they age.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sagely¹

sage ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

That’s a far cry from 2017, when respectable investors mostly watched from the sidelines while financial sages like Warren Buffett and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon decried Bitcoin with terms like “rat poison” and “fraud.”

From Fortune

Wrap the sweet potato in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprig of rosemary, a few sage leaves, and a head of garlic halved width-wise, leaving the skins on.

From Outside Online

Butter browned over medium-low heat with sage leaves is a great, simple option.

From Outside Online

In a large bowl, combine the celery, onion, scallions, eggs, heavy cream, sage, thyme, salt and cayenne.

From Washington Post

Whether or not you’re familiar with the long battle over habitat protections for this animal, Ahearn provides helpful on-the-ground context and thoughtfully discusses the sage grouse’s very shaky present.

From Outside Online

Prick the bladder with a needle every so often,” she advises sagely, “to keep it from exploding.

From The Daily Beast

"It's curious how attached one gets to a dog," said Perry sagely, resuming his rocking from heel to toe and toe to heel.

From Project Gutenberg

I would back the intelligence against the accomplishments any day, said Hester, sagely.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, you'd better look out you don't get landed yourself," said Mollie sagely.

From Project Gutenberg

"Some one ought to give Mr. Kerry the tip to get out and not give evidence," remarked Sibley sagely.

From Project Gutenberg

It fully explained his eccentricities, John reflected sagely, as he mixed himself a grog.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carefully
• intelligently
• judiciously
• sensibly
• shrewdly