First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sage
adjective \ˈsāj\
: very wise
sag·ersag·est
Full Definition of SAGE
2
: proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment <sage advice>
— sage·ly adverb
— sage·ness noun
See sage defined for English-language learners
See sage defined for kids
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Origin of SAGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *sapius, from Latin sapere to taste, have good taste, be wise; akin to Oscan sipus knowing, Old Saxon ansebbian to perceive
Related to SAGE
- Synonyms
- discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, wise, sapient
- Antonyms
- unperceptive, unwise
Synonym Discussion of SAGE
wise, sage, sapient, judicious, prudent, sensible, sane mean having or showing sound judgment. wise suggests great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them <wise beyond his tender years>. sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom <the sage advice of my father>. sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment <the sapient musings of an old philosopher>. judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions <judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure>. prudent suggests exercise of the restraint of sound practical wisdom and discretion <a prudent decision to wait out the storm>. sensible applies to action guided and restrained by good sense and rationality <a sensible woman who was not fooled by flattery>. sane stresses mental soundness, rationality, and levelheadedness <remained sane even in times of crises>.
2sage
noun
Definition of SAGE
1
: one (as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom
2
: a mature or venerable man of sound judgment
First Known Use of SAGE
14th century
3sage
noun
Definition of SAGE
1
a : a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats; broadly : salvia b : the fresh or dried leaves of sage
2
3
: a light grayish green
Origin of SAGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French sage, salge, from Latin salvia, from salvus healthy; from its use as a medicinal herb — more at safe
First Known Use: 14th century
Sage
biographical name \ˈsāj\
Definition of SAGE
Russell 1816–1906 Am. financier
SAGE Defined for Kids
1sage
adjective \ˈsāj\
Definition of SAGE for Kids
: 1wise 1 <She gave sage advice.>
— sage·ly adverb <He nodded sagely.>
2sage
noun
Definition of SAGE for Kids
: a very wise person
3sage
noun
Definition of SAGE for Kids
1
: a mint with grayish green leaves used especially to flavor foods
2
Medical Dictionary
sage
noun \ˈsāj\
Medical Definition of SAGE
: a perennial mint of the genus Salvia (S. officinalis) having grayish green pungent and aromatic leaves that are much used in flavoring foods and as a mild tonic and astringent; broadly : any plant of the genus Salvia
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