adjective

wise

WYZE/waɪz/

Having or showing good judgment and practical understanding.

The adult makes a wise choice by reassuring the child and helping repair the plant.

Wise judgment shown through a constructive response to a child's mistake: an adult first reassures the distressed child, then helps the child take responsibility and restore a damaged plant rather than merely scolding or taking over.

Etymology

wiseOld Englishlearned, prudent, experienced

Old English wīs covered both learning and practical experience, alongside prudence. The modern sense preserves this connection between understanding and the ability to judge rightly.

In context

KJ Animations3:04

holding wealth is pointless if it isn't used for good purposes The Village prospered and Harold became known not as The Miser but as a wise and generous man

He Buried His Gold and Lost Everything | The Miser's Tale | KJ Animations

More examples

She gave him wise advice.
He grew wiser through experience.
The wisest course was to wait.

Forms

wise · wiser · wisest

wisdom noun — Good judgment gained through knowledge or experience.

Similar words

prudent: Shows careful practical judgment about consequences.
sensible: Shows sound everyday judgment.