Wisely — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈwīz/

Meaning & Definition of Wisely

Wisely (adjective)

  1. characterized by wisdom, marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment
  2. exercising or showing sound judgment, prudent
  3. evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information, knowing

Wisely (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in sensibly, prudently

    similar: discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously, decorously, deferentially, gallantly, politely, respectfully, solicitously, pleasantly, compassionately, humanely, kindheartedly, sweetly, sympathetically, considerately, courteously, graciously, kindly, nicely, reasonably, thoughtfully, well
    opposite: discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely, scornfully, snootily, cruelly, heartlessly, nastily, viciously, shabbily, unfairly

Related Entry: Wise (adjective)

Wise is a different word from Wisely. The synonyms below are for wise, not for wisely.

  1. having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge

    "a respected and wise old judge famous for her sensible rulings"

    similar: discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, sage, sapient
    related: acute, penetrating, percipient, perspicacious, experienced, discriminating, discriminative, brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, smart, cerebral, erudite, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly, astute, clearheaded, piercing, sharp, shrewd, contemplative, reflective, thoughtful
    opposite: unperceptive, unwise
    near: dense, dull, obtuse, purblind, woodenheaded, brainless, dumb, feebleminded, foolish, idiotic, imbecile, knuckleheaded, moronic, silly, simple, slow, slow-witted, stupid, thoughtless, unintelligent, witless, undiscriminating

  2. having inside information

    "they fooled everyone else, but I'd heard them talking and was wise to their true intentions"

    similar: hip, knowing, in the know
    related: alerted, aware, clued (in), forewarned, informed, prepared, ready, warned, observant, observing, sharp, sharp-eyed, alert, attentive, open-eyed, vigilant, watchful, plugged-in, with-it
    opposite: unknowing
    near: oblivious, unaware, unconscious, uninformed, unwitting, heedless, unmindful, unprepared, unready, unwary

  3. suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances

    "selling the stock just before it plunged in value was a wise move on your part"

    similar: advisable, desirable, expedient, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical
    related: advantageous, beneficial, profitable, useful, utilitarian, feasible, possible, practicable, practical, opportune, seasonable, timely, opportunistic, self-seeking
    opposite: impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise
    near: impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable, inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

  4. making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred

    "you wouldn't be so wise if you were the one suffering from hemorrhoids"

    similar: cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-ass, smart-assed, smarty-pants, wiseass
    related: flighty, frivolous, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impish, impudent, mischievous, playful, roguish, sassy, saucy, waggish, disrespectful, rude, breezy, casual, glib, inappropriate, thoughtless
    opposite: earnest, sincere
    near: grave, serious, sober, solemn, somber

  5. displaying or marked by rude boldness

    "she is competent, but she's always getting wise with the boss"

    similar: arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocksure, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy
    related: assertive, forward, obtrusive, defiant, disrespectful, shameless, unabashed, unblushing, bluff, blunt, curt, cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, lippy, mouthy
    opposite: meek, mousy, retiring, shy, timid
    near: demure, humble, modest, courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper, deferential, respectful, abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed, shamefaced, gentle, mild, inconspicuous, unobtrusive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Wisely

The most common words with a similar meaning to Wisely:

discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously, decorously, deferentially, gallantly, politely, respectfully, solicitously, pleasantly, compassionately, humanely, kindheartedly, sweetly, sympathetically, considerately, courteously, graciously, kindly, nicely, reasonably, thoughtfully, well

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Wisely

Words with the opposite meaning of Wisely:

discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely, scornfully, snootily, cruelly, heartlessly, nastily, viciously, shabbily, unfairly

Word Forms of Wisely

Inflections: wiser, wisest

Derived words: wisely (adverb), wiseness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Wisely

Middle English wis, from Old English wīs; akin to Old High German wīs wise, Old English witan to know wit

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Wisely

What does "Wisely" mean?

"Wisely" means characterized by wisdom, marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: characterized by wisdom, marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

What is another word for "Wisely"?

Other words for "Wisely" include discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, excusably, fairly, justifiably and validly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Wisely" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Wisely"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Wisely". Common alternatives include discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, chivalrously and decorously.

What is the opposite of "Wisely"?

Antonyms of "Wisely" include discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly, contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely and rudely.

Is "Wisely" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Wisely" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Wisely"?

"Wisely" is pronounced /ˈwīz/.

What is the origin of the word "Wisely"?

"Wisely" comes from Middle English wis, from Old English wīs; akin to Old High German wīs wise, Old English witan to know wit. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Wisely" meaning "as in sensibly, prudently"?

When "Wisely" (adverb) means as in sensibly, prudently, synonyms include discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, excusably and fairly. Opposites in this sense include discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly and contemptuously.