wise

Noun · Adjective
Synonyms: WiseStephen Samuel WiseIsaac Mayer Wisejudiciousheadyknowingwise(p)wise to(p)freshimpertinentimpudentoverbold

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. a way of doing or being“in no wise”“in this wise”
  2. United States Jewish leader (born in Hungary) (1874-1949)Synonyms: WiseStephen Samuel Wise
  3. United States religious leader (born in Bohemia) who united reform Jewish organizations in the United States (1819-1900)Synonyms: WiseIsaac Mayer Wise

Adjective (4)

  1. having or prompted by wisdom or discernment“a wise leader”“a wise and perceptive comment”
  2. marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters“judicious use of one's money”“a wise decision”Synonyms: judiciousheady
  3. evidencing the possession of inside informationSynonyms: knowingwise(p)wise to(p)
  4. improperly forward or bold“don't be fresh with me”“impertinent of a child to lecture a grownup”“an impudent boy given to insulting strangers”“Don't get wise with me!”Synonyms: freshimpertinentimpudentoverboldsmartsaucysassy
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

wise \wise\, a. [OE. wise, AS. w[imac]se; akin to OS. w[imac]sa, OFries. w[imac]s, D. wijs, wijze, OHG. w[imac]sa, G. weise, Sw. vis, Dan. viis, Icel. ["o][eth]ruv[imac]s otherwise; from the root of E. wit; hence, originally, knowledge, skill. See Wit, v., and cf. Guise.] Way of being or acting; manner; mode; fashion. "All armed in complete wise." --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

To love her in my beste wyse. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

This song she sings in most commanding wise. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]

Let not these blessings then, sent from above, Abused be, or spilt in profane wise. --Fairfax. [1913 Webster]

Note: This word is nearly obsolete, except in such phrases as in any wise, in no wise, on this wise, etc. " Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." --Ps. xxxvii. 8. "He shall in no wise lose his reward." --Matt. x. 42. " On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel." --Num. vi. 23. [1913 Webster]

Note: Wise is often used as a suffix in composition, as in likewise, nowise, lengthwise, etc., in which words -ways is often substituted with the same sense; as, noways, lengthways, etc. [1913 Webster]

Wise \Wise\ (w[imac]z), a. [Compar. Wiser (w[imac]z"[~e]r); superl. Wisest.] [OE. wis, AS. w[imac]s; akin to OS. & OFries. w[imac]s, D. wijs, G. weise, OHG. w[imac]s, w[imac]si, Icel. v[imac]ss, Sw. vis, Dan. viis, Goth. weis; akin to wit, v. i. See Wit, v., and cf. Righteous, Wisdom.] [1913 Webster]

1.Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned. [1913 Webster]

They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.— Jer. iv. 22.[1913 Webster]

2.Hence, especially, making due use of knowledge; discerning and judging soundly concerning what is true or false, proper or improper; choosing the best ends and the best means for accomplishing them; sagacious. [1913 Webster]

When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.— 2 Tim. iii. 15.[1913 Webster]

3.Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination. [1913 Webster]

Fal. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone. Sim. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford?— Shak.[1913 Webster]

4.Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty. [R.] "Thou art . . . no novice, but a governor wily and wise." --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Nor, on the other side, Will I be penuriously wise As to make money, that's my slave, my idol.— Beau. & Fl.[1913 Webster]
Lords do not care for me: I am too wise to die yet.— Ford.[1913 Webster]

5.Dictated or guided by wisdom; containing or exhibiting wisdom; well adapted to produce good effects; judicious; discreet; as, a wise saying; a wise scheme or plan; wise conduct or management; a wise determination. "Eminent in wise deport." --Milton. [1913 Webster]

To make it wise, to make it a matter of deliberation. [Obs.] "We thought it was not worth to make it wise." --Chaucer.

Wise in years, old enough to be wise; wise from age and experience; hence, aged; old. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one; He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.— Ford.[1913 Webster]
You are too wise in years, too full of counsel, For my green experience.— Ford.[1913 Webster]
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