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“Smart” vs. “Wise”: What’s the Difference?

Jul 3, 2023
Engram
A line illustration of two people with their mouth open, and a giant question mark between them.

The difference between “smart” and “wise”

  • "Smart" focuses on intelligence and academic achievement, while "wise" emphasizes practical knowledge and life experience.
  • Smartness can be acquired through education and training, while wisdom comes from years of experience, reflection, and self-awareness.
  • Smartness may provide answers to specific questions, but wisdom helps us navigate the complexities and uncertainties of life.
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What is the definition of “smart” and “wise”?

Smart
  • "Smart" refers to one's intelligence or ability to learn quickly and understand complex concepts.
  • It often implies a strong academic background and proficiency in specific skill sets.
  • However, being smart does not necessarily mean that one has good judgment or practical wisdom.
Wise
  • "Wise" refers to one's ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on experience, observation, and understanding.
  • It implies a deep knowledge and insight into human nature, values, and principles.
  • Wisdom is often associated with maturity, humility, and a holistic perspective on life.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Smart” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Smart
2,380,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. My little sister is smart; she can solve math equations faster than anyone.
  2. I made a smart decision to invest in Apple stocks early on, and now my portfolio is growing.
  3. This test sees how smart you are with questions involving logical reasoning, spatial intelligence, and pattern recognition.
Wise
898,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. My grandfather is very wise; he always has wonderful advice to give me when I need it.
  2. Wise leaders make decisions based on evidence and analysis, not just intuition.
  3. It was wise of him to wait before making a big purchase, as he was able to find a much better deal later on.
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