Vise vs. Wise — What's the Difference?
Vise" refers to a mechanical tool used to hold objects. "Wise" pertains to having knowledge, experience, or sound judgment. They are different in both spelling and meaning.
Difference Between Vise and Wise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "Vise" and "Wise" are phonetically similar but differ greatly in meaning and usage. "Vise" primarily refers to a mechanical apparatus designed to hold or clamp materials securely, usually to allow work to be performed on them. It is a common tool in workshops, often fixed to benches, and facilitates tasks like sawing, filing, or drilling.
In contrast, "Wise" denotes the possession of knowledge, experience, insight, or good judgment. It can describe a person's character or decisions, implying that they are informed or prudent. Historically, wise figures like philosophers, sages, and mentors are often revered for their insights and guidance, very different from the utilitarian nature of a "vise."
It's easy to differentiate between "Vise" and "Wise" when considering their respective contexts. "Vise" aligns with a realm of tools, mechanics, and physical work. When someone speaks of tightening a "vise," they're likely referring to securing an object for a task. On the other hand, being "wise" is more abstract, pointing to mental or emotional intelligence, intuition, or the application of learned knowledge.
Grammatically, "Vise" is primarily used as a noun, while "Wise" can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, further distinguishing their roles in sentences. Overall, while "Vise" and "Wise" may sound similar, their meanings, usages, and contexts set them apart clearly.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Mostly used as a noun.
Used as an adjective, noun, or adverb.
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Meaning
A tool for holding materials securely.
Having knowledge or showing good judgment.
Synonyms
Clamp, grip, bench clamp.
Knowledgeable, sagacious, astute.
Example Usage
"He fixed the wood in the vise before sawing."
"She gave me a wise piece of advice."
Etymology
From Old French "vis," a screw.
From Old English "wis," of Germanic origin.
Compare with Definitions
Vise
A mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be done on it.
The carpenter placed the wood in the vise to cut it precisely.
Wise
Shrewd, savvy, or prudent in action or thought.
She made the wise decision to invest early.
Vise
A gripping tool that uses two parallel jaws tightened by a screw mechanism.
He needed a vise to hold the metal while drilling holes.
Wise
Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious
A wise leader.
Vise
A pressure or squeeze that confines or compresses.
The mounting debts felt like a vise around his neck.
Wise
Exhibiting common sense; prudent
A wise decision.
Vise
Any of various tools with opposing jaws for holding, bending, or cutting.
The jeweler used a small vise to set the gemstone.
Wise
Shrewd; crafty
Made a wise move selling the house when he did.
Vise
A tight hold or encircling pressure.
The vise of the snake's coil was unrelenting.
Wise
Provided with information; informed. Often used with to
I'm wise to your tricks. We were none the wiser after reading the report.
Vise
A vice or vise (American English) is a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. Vises have two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, threaded in and out by a screw and lever.
Wise
(Slang) Rude and disrespectful; impudent.
Vise
A heavy clamp, usually mounted on a workbench and operated by a screw or lever, used in carpentry or metalworking to hold a piece in position.
Wise
Method or manner of doing; way
In no wise.
In any wise.
Vise
To hold or compress in or as if in a vise.
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
Vise
(US) An instrument consisting of two jaws, closing by a screw, lever, cam, or the like, for holding work, as in filing.
Wise
Disrespectful.
Don't get wise with me!
Vise
To clamp with or as with a vise.
Wise
(colloquial) Aware, informed.
Be careful: the boss is wise to your plan to call out sick.
Vise
An instrument consisting of two jaws, closing by a screw, lever, cam, or the like, for holding work, as in filing.
Wise
To become wise.
Vise
An indorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities of certain countries on the continent of Europe, denoting that it has been examined, and that the person who bears it is permitted to proceed on his journey; a visa.
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.
Vise
To examine and indorse, as a passport; to visa.
Wise
(dialectal) To instruct.
Vise
A holding device attached to a workbench; has two jaws to hold workpiece firmly in place
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
Wise
Having or showing experience, knowledge, and sound judgment.
A wise old owl sat on the oak.
Wise
Learned or scholarly in a particular field.
He's wise in the ways of the world.
Wise
Aware of or informed about a particular matter.
Are you wise to the risks involved?
Wise
Characterized by wisdom or judiciousness.
It would be wise to save for the future.
Common Curiosities
Can "Vise" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "vise" can represent a confining or squeezing pressure, as in "a vise of fear."
What is a "Vise" used for?
A "vise" is a tool used to hold objects securely, often for work like sawing or drilling.
Is "Wise" only an adjective?
No, "wise" can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb.
What does "Wise" mean?
"Wise" describes someone with knowledge, experience, or sound judgment.
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