wisdom
Experience and knowledge applied with good judgement.
Word facts
Definition
Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. A wise person does not just know facts — they know how to apply knowledge well in real situations.
Usage: Wisdom is deeper than knowledge. You can know many facts without wisdom. Wisdom involves knowing how and when to apply what you know. Insight is a related quality — seeing clearly into a situation.
Example sentences
- 1
Her years of experience gave her great wisdom in difficult situations.
- 2
There is a certain wisdom in knowing when to ask for help.
- 3
The elders of the community were known for their wisdom and calm judgement.
Word family
From Old English wīsdōm ('wisdom, judgement'), from wīs ('wise') + dōm ('judgement, condition'). Wisdom is literally the condition of being wise.
Wisdom = wise + -dom. The suffix -dom means a state or condition (like freedom, kingdom). Wisdom is the state of being wise.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the adjective form of wisdom?
Wise. Example: She made a wise decision.
What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
Knowledge is knowing facts or information. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge effectively and make good decisions.