wisdom
Pluralwisdoms
- 1The good sense to choose well by combining what you know, what you have lived through, and your instincts.
Like an old captain who knows a storm is coming, not from books but from years at sea.
She showed real wisdom when she chose to wait before answering.
Years on the job gave him the wisdom to pick his battles carefully.
Similarjudgment, discernment, sagacity, acumen, insight
Oppositefolly
- 2The skill of using what you know in clever ways, even in new situations you have never faced before.
Like learning to ride one bike and then riding any bike you find.
A good teacher's wisdom lies in applying old lessons to brand-new problems.
He used the wisdom gained on the farm to run his city business.
Similarinsight, acumen, discernment
- 3A part of someone's character that helps them tell wise choices from foolish ones.
Like having a built-in compass that points toward the smart choice.
Her quiet wisdom made people trust her judgment in hard times.
True wisdom shows when a person can spot a foolish plan before it fails.
Similarjudgment, sense, discernment, prudence, sagacity
Oppositefolly, foolishness, imprudence
Note
- 4A helpful piece of advice that comes from a wise or experienced person.
Like a short tip from a grandparent that you never forget.
My grandmother shared a wisdom that I still repeat to my own kids.
The old book is full of little wisdoms about living a good life.
Similarprecept, maxim, lesson, adage, saying
Note
- 5Using what you know carefully and at the right moment to do the most good.
Like a doctor who gives medicine only when it will really help.
The judge's wisdom guided her to a ruling that helped the whole community.
Real wisdom means using power gently and only when it truly helps.
Similarprudence, judgment, discretion, sense
Oppositefolly, imprudence, recklessness
- 6The ability to understand spiritual truths and to live by them.
Like knowing not just the rules of a faith but how to truly live them.
Their faith gave them the wisdom to forgive those who had wronged them.
She prayed for wisdom to follow the path she believed was right.
Similarenlightenment, insight, understanding
Oppositeignorance
Note
- 7Short form of wisdom tooth, used in informal English.
My bottom wisdom started to hurt, so I booked an appointment with the dentist.
The dentist will pull out a wisdom that is growing in sideways.
Note
Less common meanings
- 8Several owls treated as one group.
Like calling a group of wolves a pack.
A wisdom of owls settled in the tall trees for the night.
All of us, whether we gather into a wisp of snipes, a wisdom of owls, a wing of plovers, or remain like a single regretful priest on his knees before his God, we are one and it is not for us to decide another's fate.
2016, Gary Barwin, Yiddish for Pirates: A NovelHere, wisdom means a group of owls.Similarparliament
Note
- 9Several wombats treated as one group.
Like calling a group of lions a pride.
A wisdom of wombats came out at night to feed.
It would also be difficult to get to the bottom line accurately if a wisdom of wombats ate your working papers. Both scenarios are equal in probability.
2007, Tony Cooper, “Ebay is Unfair!”Here, wisdom means a group of wombats.Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of wisdom apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Old English wīsdōm, made from wise plus -dom.