overwise

American

[oh-ver-wahyz] / ˈoʊ vərˈwaɪz /

adjective

excessively or unusually wise.

overwise for a child of her age.

Etymology

Origin of overwise

First recorded in 1525–35; over- + wise ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Is investment of their moneys or speculation for profit to be made safe for the stupid and for those overwise in their own conceits� by policing every traveler on that road?

From Time Magazine Archive

Angelique seemed a nice girl enough; but the baroness was overwise in her own conceit; and the baron ridiculously puffed with the overweening vanity of class.

From The Maid of Honour, Vol. 1 (of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Wingfield, Lewis

There was no use disputing proprieties with the overwise girl.

From The Girls at Mount Morris by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

Middling wise should every man be; never overwise.

From Books and Habits from the Lectures of Lafcadio Hearn by Hearn, Lafcadio

"To be overwise, is worse, sometimes, than to be foolish," answered Cethegus.

From The Roman Traitor, Vol. 2 by Herbert, Henry William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023