Foolish vs. Wise — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Foolish and Wise
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Compare with Definitions
Foolish
Lacking good sense or judgement; unwise
He was foolish enough to confide in her
A foolish decision
Wise
Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious
A wise leader.
Foolish
Lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgment; silly
A foolish boy.
A foolish purchase.
Wise
Exhibiting common sense; prudent
A wise decision.
Foolish
Capable of arousing laughter; absurd or ridiculous
A foolish grin.
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Wise
Shrewd; crafty
Made a wise move selling the house when he did.
Foolish
Embarrassed; abashed
I feel foolish telling you this.
Wise
Provided with information; informed. Often used with to
I'm wise to your tricks. We were none the wiser after reading the report.
Foolish
Insignificant; trivial
Foolish little knickknacks.
Wise
(Slang) Rude and disrespectful; impudent.
Foolish
(of a person, an action, etc.) Lacking good sense or judgement; unwise.
Wise
Method or manner of doing; way
In no wise.
In any wise.
Foolish
Resembling or characteristic of a fool.
Wise
Showing good judgement or the benefit of experience.
Storing extra food for the winter was a wise decision.
They were considered the wise old men of the administration.
"It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish" - Aeschylus
Foolish
Marked with, or exhibiting, folly; void of understanding; weak in intellect; without judgment or discretion; silly; unwise.
I am a very foolish fond old man.
Wise
Disrespectful.
Don't get wise with me!
Foolish
Such as a fool would do; proceeding from weakness of mind or silliness; exhibiting a want of judgment or discretion; as, a foolish act.
Wise
(colloquial) Aware, informed.
Be careful: the boss is wise to your plan to call out sick.
Foolish
Absurd; ridiculous; despicable; contemptible.
A foolish figure he must make.
Wise
To become wise.
Foolish
Devoid of good sense or judgment;
Foolish remarks
A foolish decision
Wise
Usually with "up", to inform or learn.
Mo wised him up about his situation.
After Mo had a word with him, he wised up.
Foolish
Having or revealing stupidity;
Ridiculous anserine behavior
A dopey answer
A dopey kid
Some fool idea about rewriting authors' books
Wise
(dialectal) To instruct.
Wise
(dialectal) To advise; induce.
Wise
(dialectal) To show the way, guide.
Wise
(dialectal) To direct the course of, pilot.
Wise
(dialectal) To cause to turn.
Wise
(archaic) Way, manner, or method.
Wise
Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.
They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Wise
Hence, especially, making due use of knowledge; discerning and judging soundly concerning what is true or false, proper or improper; choosing the best ends and the best means for accomplishing them; sagacious.
When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.
From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.
Wise
Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination.
Fal. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone.Sim. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford?
Wise
Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty.
Nor, on the other side,Will I be penuriously wiseAs to make money, that's my slave, my idol.
Lords do not care for me:I am too wise to die yet.
Wise
Dictated or guided by wisdom; containing or exhibiting wisdom; well adapted to produce good effects; judicious; discreet; as, a wise saying; a wise scheme or plan; wise conduct or management; a wise determination.
A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one;He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.
You are too wise in years, too full of counsel,For my green experience.
Wise
Way of being or acting; manner; mode; fashion.
To love her in my beste wyse.
This song she sings in most commanding wise.
Let not these blessings then, sent from above,Abused be, or spilt in profane wise.
Wise
A way of doing or being;
In no wise
In this wise
Wise
United States Jewish leader (born in Hungary) (1874-1949)
Wise
United States religious leader (born in Bohemia) who united reform Jewish organizations in the United States (1819-1900)
Wise
Having or prompted by wisdom or discernment;
A wise leader
A wise and perceptive comment
Wise
Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters;
Judicious use of one's money
A sensible manager
A wise decision
Wise
Evidencing the possession of inside information
Wise
Able to take a broad view of negotiations between states
Wise
Carefully considered;
A considered opinion
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