Wisdom

Wisdom
Wisdom Wis"dom (-d[u^]m), n. [AS. w[imac]sd[=o]m. See {Wise}, a., and {-dom}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity. [1913 Webster]

We speak also not in wise words of man's wisdom, but in the doctrine of the spirit. --Wyclif (1 Cor. ii. 13). [1913 Webster]

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. --Job xxviii. 28. [1913 Webster]

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force. --Ames. [1913 Webster]

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]

2. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition. [1913 Webster]

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. --Acts vii. 22. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Prudence; knowledge.

Usage: {Wisdom}, {Prudence}, {Knowledge}. Wisdom has been defined to be ``the use of the best means for attaining the best ends.'' ``We conceive,'' says Whewell, `` prudence as the virtue by which we select right means for given ends, while wisdom implies the selection of right ends as well as of right means.'' Hence, wisdom implies the union of high mental and moral excellence. Prudence (that is, providence, or forecast) is of a more negative character; it rather consists in avoiding danger than in taking decisive measures for the accomplishment of an object. Sir Robert Walpole was in many respects a prudent statesman, but he was far from being a wise one. Burke has said that prudence, when carried too far, degenerates into a ``reptile virtue,'' which is the more dangerous for its plausible appearance. Knowledge, a more comprehensive term, signifies the simple apprehension of facts or relations. ``In strictness of language,'' says Paley, `` there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom; wisdom always supposing action, and action directed by it.'' [1913 Webster]

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

{Wisdom tooth}, the last, or back, tooth of the full set on each half of each jaw in man; -- familiarly so called, because appearing comparatively late, after the person may be supposed to have arrived at the age of wisdom. See the Note under {Tooth}, 1. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Wisdom — is a concept of personal gaining of knowledge, understanding, experience, discretion, and intuitive understanding, along with a capacity to apply these qualities well towards finding solutions to problems. It is the judicious and purposeful… …   Wikipedia

  • Wisdom — Données clés Titre original Wisdom Réalisation Emilio Estévez Robert Wise (non crédité) Scénario Emilio Estévez Acteurs principaux Demi Moore Emilio Estévez T …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Wisdom — ist der Familienname folgender Personen: Jack Wisdom (* 1953), amerikanischer Physiker Arthur John Terence Dibben Wisdom, besser bekannt als John Wisdom (1904 1993), britischer Philosoph Norman Wisdom (1915–2010), britischer Schauspieler Tom… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • wisdom — O.E. wisdom, from wis (see WISE (Cf. wise) (adj.)) + DOM (Cf. dom). A common Gmc. compound (Cf. O.S., O.Fris. wisdom, O.N. visdomr, O.H.G. wistuom wisdom, Ger. Weistum judicial sentence serving as a precedent ). Wisdom teeth …   Etymology dictionary

  • wisdom — I noun acumen, astuteness, caliber, clear thinking, cognition, common sense, comprehension, discernment, discretion, edification, enlightenment, erudition, experience, good judgment, information, insight, intellectuality, intelligence, knowledge …   Law dictionary

  • Wisdom — Wisdom, MT U.S. Census Designated Place in Montana Population (2000): 114 Housing Units (2000): 88 Land area (2000): 0.949779 sq. miles (2.459917 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.007316 sq. miles (0.018949 sq. km) Total area (2000): 0.957095 sq.… …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • Wisdom, MT — U.S. Census Designated Place in Montana Population (2000): 114 Housing Units (2000): 88 Land area (2000): 0.949779 sq. miles (2.459917 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.007316 sq. miles (0.018949 sq. km) Total area (2000): 0.957095 sq. miles (2.478866 …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • wisdom — [wiz′dəm] n. [ME < OE < wis, WISE1 + dom, DOM] 1. the quality of being wise; power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.; good judgment; sagacity 2. learning;… …   English World dictionary

  • wisdom — judgment, *sense, gumption Analogous words: discretion, *prudence, foresight: judiciousness, sageness, saneness, sapience (see corresponding adjectives at WISE): sagacity, perspicacity, shrewdness (see corresponding adjectives at SHREWD) Antonyms …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • wisdom — [n] insight, common sense acumen, astuteness, balance, brains*, caution, circumspection, clear thinking, comprehension, discernment, discrimination, enlightenment, erudition, experience, foresight, good judgment, gumption*, horse sense*,… …   New thesaurus

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