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

In a moment defined by artificial intelligence, algorithms and the almighty tax break, by middlebrow convention, shareholder protection and Silicon Valley “wisdom,” “Magnolia” now reads not as a miracle but as an impossibility.

From Los Angeles Times

A skepticism toward conventional wisdom that is rooted in a distrust of cliches and stereotypes.

From Los Angeles Times

The financial crisis hit and everyone in America saw the wisdom of having at least a portion of their old age or disability safety net guaranteed by the government instead of Wall Street.

From Salon

“Her commitment to the advancement of art and culture won her admiration all over the world, but at our synagogue, she was admired most of all for her characteristic kindness and gentle wisdom.”

From Los Angeles Times

By showing that even resource-poor environments can foster significant evolutionary radiation, the research challenges conventional wisdom and opens new avenues for studying evolution in extreme habitats.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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