sapient

[sey-pee-uh nt] /ˈseɪ pi ənt/
adjective
1.
having or showing great wisdom or sound judgment.
Origin
1425-75; late Middle English sapyent < Latin sapient- (stem of sapiēns, present participle of sapere to be wise, literally, to taste, have taste), equivalent to sapi- verb stem + -ent- -ent
Related forms
sapience, sapiency, noun
sapiently, adverb
unsapient, adjective
unsapiently, adverb
Examples from the web for sapient
  • There is a simplicity to the combination of the few ingredients, yet a sapient harmony.
  • Nevertheless, the sapient exploration geologist can find upon it significant regional features not apparent to the untrained user.
  • Nevertheless, the sapient exploration geologist can find upon it significant regional features.
British Dictionary definitions for sapient

sapient

/ˈseɪpɪənt/
adjective
1.
(often ironic) wise or sagacious
Derived Forms
sapience, noun
sapiently, adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Latin sapere to taste
Word Origin and History for sapient
adj.

"wise," late 15c. (early 15c. as a surname), from Old French sapient, from Latin sapientem (nominative sapiens), present participle of sapere "to taste, have taste, be wise," from PIE root *sep- "to taste, perceive" (cf. Old Saxon an-sebban "to perceive, remark," Old High German antseffen, Old English sefa "mind, understanding, insight").