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: enlightenment, erudition, sapience
   Antonyms: ignorance

3. wise sayings or teachings; precepts.

4. a wise act or saying.

5. (initial capital letter),  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 Word Forms

• wisdomless 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

Our government ran an ad featuring the words of President Reagan because we all benefit from being reminded of his wisdom.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That conventional wisdom blew up Sunday when his Liberty Advances coalition won big in midterm legislative elections.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The conventional wisdom is that analysts are always too optimistic,” Parker says.

Read more on Barron's

It's underpinned by the money and wisdom of Tony Bloom, the Brighton chairman, who has invested £10m for a minority stake in the club.

Read more on BBC

The conventional wisdom does not always need to be challenged.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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