First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
sapient
adjective sa·pi·ent \ˈsā-pē-ənt, ˈsa-\
Definition of SAPIENT
: possessing or expressing great sagacity
— sa·pi·ent·ly adverb
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Origin of SAPIENT
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin sapient-, sapiens, from present participle of sapere to taste, be wise — more at sage
Related to SAPIENT
- Synonyms
- discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, sage, wise
- Antonyms
- unperceptive, unwise
Synonym Discussion of SAPIENT
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>.
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