Words / B2

WYZ/waɪz/

Wise means showing good judgement; sensible: a wise choice; wise to wait. Sensible is the everyday twin; clever is about speed of thought. It is not wise to cite a forum thread. Mix-up: otherwise means “if not”; vice is a bad habit. Do not call a lucky guess wise.

Meaning

Showing good judgement; sensible.

Examples

• “It is not wise to cite a forum thread as a primary source.”
• “A wise head of year delayed the trip, which is the judgement sense.”

Good to know

a wise + noun; it is wise to + verb; wisely. Everyday: sensible. Noun: wisdom. Trap: otherwise. Advice and evaluations. Good judgement, not cleverness.

Near in meaning

sensible

New