wise
UK: waɪz | US: waɪz
adj. having or showing good judgment or intelligence
adj. (archaic) possessing knowledge or awareness
v. (dialectal) to guide or direct wisely
The word "wise" traces back to Old English wīs, meaning "knowledgeable" or "learned," derived from Proto-Germanic wīsaz. This root is linked to the Proto-Indo-European weid- ("to see" or "to know"), reflecting the idea that wisdom stems from perception and insight. The silent "-e" was added in Middle English as a spelling convention. Over time, "wise" expanded from literal knowledge to encompass sound judgment and discernment.
She gave wise advice based on years of experience.
The wise old owl is a symbol of knowledge in many cultures.
(Archaic) "Be wise unto salvation," the preacher urged.
(Dialectal) He wised them through the treacherous mountain path.
It’s wise to save money for unexpected emergencies.