Sapient

Quick meaning: Sapient is an adjective meaning (formal, dated except poetic) Possessing discernment and wisdom; learned, wise.

Meaning

(formal, dated except poetic) Possessing discernment and wisdom; learned, wise.

More Meanings

1. Attempting to appear discerning or wise.
2. Followed by of: aware or knowledgeable of.
3. Of a lifeform or species: possessing intelligence or a high degree of self-awareness.
4. (anthropology) Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Homo sapiens (modern human beings).
5. (by extension, science fiction) An intelligent, self-aware being.
6. (obsolete, rare) Having a (good) flavour or taste; sapid.
7. (archaic except humorous) A wise person; a sage.

Example Sentences

I think I seem them at their work—these sapient trouble-tombs.

[To Edgar] Come ſit thou here moſt learned Iuſtice / [To the Fool] Thou ſapient ſir ſit here, […]

What is it but a vain and curious skill, / If sapient Germany must lie deprest, / Beneath the brutal sword?

Novv tell me, dignified and ſapient ſir, / My man of morals, nurtur'd in the ſhades / Of Academus, is this falſe or true?

Word Forms

• sapients

Synonyms for sapient

Depending on context, synonyms include astute, clairvoyant, deep, frood, grounded, judicious.

Antonyms for sapient

Common opposites include insapient.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include sagacious, wise, perspicacious, sutlers, savvy, wiselike.

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