01 a. Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.
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1.
Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.“They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” — Jer. iv. 22.
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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.“When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.” — Shak.“From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” — 2 Tim. iii. 15.
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3.
Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination.“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.
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4.
Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty.[R.]“Nor, on the other side, Will I be penuriously wise As to make money, that's my slave, my idol.” — Beau. & Fl.“Lords do not care for me: I am too wise to die yet.” — Ford.
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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.“A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one; He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.” — Ford.“You are too wise in years, too full of counsel, For my green experience.” — Ford.
Phrases & compounds
To make it wise —
to make it a matter of deliberation.
Wise in years —
old enough to be wise; wise from age and experience; hence, aged; old.