How to Pronounce Wise

To pronounce "wise", say WIS-e — 2 syllables, IPA /waɪz/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

wise

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/waɪz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “wise”

"wise" has 2 syllables: wis-e. It rhymes with scrutinize and surmise, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: wyse, whys, wies — easy to mix up when writing.

What does wise mean?

verb

  1. To become wise.
  2. Usually with "up", to inform or learn.

    “After Mo had a word with him, he wised up.”

adjective

  1. Showing good judgement or the benefit of experience.

    “"It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish" - Aeschylus”

  2. Disrespectful.

    “Don't get wise with me!”

Antonyms

foolishunwise

Hear “wise” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with wise

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

scrutinizesurmiseaggrandizeemphasizerecognizeactualizeanalyzereprisecompriselikewisedemiserise

Related words

well-advisedsensibleprudentjudiciousconsideredknowingsagaciousadvised

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "wise"?▾

"Wise" has 2 syllables: wis · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "wise"?▾

The IPA transcription of "wise" is /waɪz/.

What does "wise" mean?▾

Wise: To become wise.

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