WISE, WISDOM
Wise
The word wise has its origins in the PIE root weid (to see; hence, to know) and Proto-Germanic wissaz (the source of Old Saxon wis, Old Norse viss, Dutch wijs, German weise).
Old English wis (learned, sagacious, cunning; sane; prudent, discreet; experienced; having the power of discerning and judging rightly) is also from Proto-Germanic wissaz. The word wise has been part of English since before the 12th century.
Wise, with its origins in PIE weid (to see, to know), is related to Greek idein (to see), the source of the word idea; i.e., “Ahh, now I see what you mean... I get the idea”. [PIE weid is also the source of the word video].
What might we see in a wise person? Many descriptions of a wise person use descriptors such as knowledge, insight, sound judgment, positive affect or attitude, and a willingness and ability to act wisely. Such people are attractive. We are drawn toward such people.
Wisdom
The word wisdom is from Old English wis (wise) and Old High German wistuom (wisdom).
Wisdom, an Old English word, has been part of written English for hundreds of years. The word wisdom has its origins in Old English wis + Old English dom (a judgment); that is, wisdom is the ability to make wise judgments.
Wisdom encompasses knowledge and feeling, cognition and affect. Wisdom is seen in how we act on the basis of what we know and feel. Such knowledge is from our perceptions and our reflections upon our experiences of the world.
In sum, to say that someone has wisdom means that they have knowledge (accumulated learning), insight (the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships), judgement (good sense), attitude (attentiveness or readiness; a feeling or emotion toward knowledge or situations), and the willingness and ability to act wisely (intention; application) on the basis of such wisdom.
In the Inuit language, the word isumataq refers to a person “who can create the atmosphere in which wisdom shows itself” (Lopez, 1986, 298).
What’s the difference between wisdom and wise? Wisdom is something that a person has or can have. Being wise is something that a person is or can be. People have wisdom; they act wisely. Wisdom tends to be collective and cultural; being wise tends to be individual and personal. Wise ones participate in and contribute to the wisdom of their traditions, culture, and community.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Lopez, B. (1986). Arctic dreams: Imagination and desire in a northern landscape. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Wisdom. (2025, July 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom
The word wise has its origins in the PIE root weid (to see; hence, to know) and Proto-Germanic wissaz (the source of Old Saxon wis, Old Norse viss, Dutch wijs, German weise).
Old English wis (learned, sagacious, cunning; sane; prudent, discreet; experienced; having the power of discerning and judging rightly) is also from Proto-Germanic wissaz. The word wise has been part of English since before the 12th century.
Wise, with its origins in PIE weid (to see, to know), is related to Greek idein (to see), the source of the word idea; i.e., “Ahh, now I see what you mean... I get the idea”. [PIE weid is also the source of the word video].
What might we see in a wise person? Many descriptions of a wise person use descriptors such as knowledge, insight, sound judgment, positive affect or attitude, and a willingness and ability to act wisely. Such people are attractive. We are drawn toward such people.
Wisdom
The word wisdom is from Old English wis (wise) and Old High German wistuom (wisdom).
Wisdom, an Old English word, has been part of written English for hundreds of years. The word wisdom has its origins in Old English wis + Old English dom (a judgment); that is, wisdom is the ability to make wise judgments.
Wisdom encompasses knowledge and feeling, cognition and affect. Wisdom is seen in how we act on the basis of what we know and feel. Such knowledge is from our perceptions and our reflections upon our experiences of the world.
In sum, to say that someone has wisdom means that they have knowledge (accumulated learning), insight (the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships), judgement (good sense), attitude (attentiveness or readiness; a feeling or emotion toward knowledge or situations), and the willingness and ability to act wisely (intention; application) on the basis of such wisdom.
In the Inuit language, the word isumataq refers to a person “who can create the atmosphere in which wisdom shows itself” (Lopez, 1986, 298).
What’s the difference between wisdom and wise? Wisdom is something that a person has or can have. Being wise is something that a person is or can be. People have wisdom; they act wisely. Wisdom tends to be collective and cultural; being wise tends to be individual and personal. Wise ones participate in and contribute to the wisdom of their traditions, culture, and community.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Lopez, B. (1986). Arctic dreams: Imagination and desire in a northern landscape. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Wisdom. (2025, July 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom
No comments have been added yet.
