wisdom

UK: /ˈwɪzdəm/ US: /ˈwɪzdəm/ ,(wiz′dəm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

wis•dom /ˈwɪzdəm/   n. [uncountable]

1. the quality or state of being wise.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

wis•dom  (wiz′dəm), n. 

1. the quality or state of being wise;
   knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action;
   sagacity, discernment, or insight.
2. scholarly knowledge or learning:
   the wisdom of the schools.
3. wise sayings or teachings;
   precepts.
4. a wise act or saying.
5. Bible (cap.) [Douay Bible.] See Wisdom of Solomon. 

• bef. 900; Middle English, Old English wīsdōm; cognate with Old Norse vīsdōmr, German Weistum. See wise¹, -dom

wis′dom•less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. sense, understanding.
• 2. sapience, erudition, enlightenment. See information. 

Antonyms

• 1. stupidity.
• 2. ignorance.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

wisdom / ˈwɪzdəm/ noun

1. the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight
2. accumulated knowledge, erudition, or enlightenment
3. a wise saying or wise sayings or teachings

Related adjective(s): sagacious

Etymology: Old English wīsdōm; see wise¹, -dom