sage
/sāj/
noun
- One venerated for experience, judgment, and wisdom.
- Any of various plants of the genus Salvia of the mint family, especially S. officinalis, having aromatic grayish-green leaves.
- The leaves of S. officinalis used as a seasoning.
How is the word 'sage' distinct from other similar adjectives?
Some common synonyms of sage are judicious, prudent, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," sage suggests wide experience, great learning, and wisdom.
// the sage advice of my father
When can 'judicious' be used instead of 'sage'?
The words judicious and sage can be used in similar contexts, but judicious stresses a capacity for reaching wise decisions or just conclusions.
// judicious parents using kindness and discipline in equal measure
When is 'sapient' a more appropriate choice than 'sage'?
In some situations, the words sapient and sage are roughly equivalent. However, sapient suggests great sagacity and discernment.
// the sapient musings of an old philosopher
Could I get a clarification on what it means for a child to be sage? My husband is French, his sister is currently visiting us in Canada and there have been a lot of video calls to show family in France our baby boy. I understand maybe 50% of french conversation between native speakers, and one word I keep catching is sage. Everyone is asking if he is sage and how he sleeps... I've translated it and just get wise/wisdom. Which doesn't really make sense to me? I would never ask if a baby was wise, or describe them as such... My husband doesn't know ab equivalent word in English. Am I missing a meaning of this word or do French people associate babies with wisdom?