ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sage

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈseɪdʒ// UK //sˈeɪdʒ// sage Archaic

n. a person who is very wise and has a lot of experience. People usually go to them for advice on life or difficult problems.

n. a person of profound wisdom and judgment, often associated with age and philosophical insight. Historically used to describe respected thinkers or elders in a community.


SIMPLE

The old man was known as the village sage.

CONTEXTUAL

In many ancient stories, the hero must travel to a distant mountain to seek advice from a wise sage.

COMPLEX

The philosopher was revered as a sage whose teachings on ethics and governance influenced the kingdom for generations after his death.

Synonyms
Origin

* As an English and French surname, from sage, a nickname for a wise person. The given name, in general use since the 1990s, is also associated with the sage plant. Compare Desage, Lesage. * As an Irish surname, variant of Savage. * As a German surname, from a placename derived from the noun sege (“sedge”) (see sedge).

Usage

Often used as a title or a descriptor for historical figures; can also refer to a common culinary herb, though the 'wise person' sense is distinct.

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