wisely
Americanadverb
-
in a way that shows good sense or judgment; prudently.
In taking good care of our health, we have to be well-informed and wisely cautious.
-
in a way that shows depth of discernment or understanding; insightfully.
Albert Einstein wisely observed that we can't solve today's problems with the same thinking that created those problems.
Etymology
Origin of wisely
Explanation
When you do something wisely, you act in a thoughtful way, based on your own knowledge. Did you use your money wisely? Or did you spend it all on candy? Use this adverb for things people do that are (or appear to be) based on good judgment and experience. Smile wisely at your friend and they might think you know what you're talking about when you describe the UFO that landed in your back yard last night. But if they wisely ask you more questions and start to look skeptical, don't be surprised!
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.
They say it would result in the government spending taxpayer dollars more wisely while improving transparency.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
The MPs' report said the BBC could "spend more wisely when competing for programming".
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
You don’t want your precious donations to be swallowed up by administrative fees. Guidestar.org, Charitynavigator.org and Give.org, which is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, all aim to help donors give wisely.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026
Ms. Paulus’s staging, set in period, wisely avoids thrusting the play ham-handedly into a contemporary context.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
“I know what you mean,” said Mrs. Weasley, nodding wisely.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
