Wisdom
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈwɪzdəm/
Origin
From Middle English wisdom, from Old English wÄ«sdÅm ("wisdom"), from Proto-Germanic *wÄ«sadÅmaz ("wisdom"), corresponding to wise + -dom or wise + doom("judgement"). Cognate with Scots wisdom, wysdom ("wisdom"), West Frisian wiisdom ("wisdom"), Dutch wijsdom ("wisdom"), German Weistum ("legal sentence"), Danish/Norwegian/Swedish visdom ("wisdom"), Icelandic vÃsdómur ("wisdom").
Full definition of wisdom
Noun
wisdom
(countable and uncountable; plural wisdoms)- (uncountable) An element of personal character that enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise.
- (countable) A piece of wise advice.
- The discretionary use of knowledge for the greatest good.
- The ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way, especially to different situations from that in which the knowledge was gained.
- The ability to make a decision based on the combination of knowledge, experience, and intuitive understanding.
- (theology) The ability to know and apply spiritual truths.
- 1652, Thomas Vaughan (philosopher), The Fame and Confeſſion of the Fraternity of…the Roſie Croſs, pages 1–2 of the prefaceWiſdom…is to a man an infinite Treaſure, for ſhe is the Breath of the Power of God, and a pure Influence that floweth from the Glory of the Almighty; ſhe is the Brightneſs of Eternal Light, and an undefiled Mirror of the Majeſty of God, and an Image of his Goodneſs; ſhe teacheth us Soberneſs and Prudence, Righteouſneſs and Strength; ſhe underſtands the Subtilty of words, and Solution of dark ſentences; ſhe foreknoweth Signs and Wonders, and what ſhall happen in time to come.