gleaned wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gleaned wisdom" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to knowledge gained from experience or from careful observation and study. For example, "After a lifetime of hard work, she had gleaned wisdom that she was happy to share with her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The most damning statement that can be made in this regard is that every failure, unwarranted indulgence, attack, calamity, and corrosion could occur again, and in the same way, without a scintilla of gleaned wisdom weighing on Trump's conscience — or on the conscience of the Republican Party, which has largely abetted him in his efforts.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

THE cocktail masters who have gained prominence in the last decade have gleaned great wisdom in a bottle of whiskey.

The New York Times - Food

His shareholder letters are a must-read for investors looking to glean his wisdom.

Independent

I caught up with him one afternoon during my internship, hoping to glean some wisdom, but all he could talk about was how he was going to be seeing patients less and focusing on his dream of improving hospital quality and efficiency.

The New York Times

If we can glean any wisdom from their experiences, it's that reconnecting with an ex can either turn out very very well (marriage! babies!) or very very poorly (police involvement! animal cruelty!).

Vice

It's entirely acceptable to extend an invitation to a kami (a divine spirit associated with some element of nature) in order to glean hidden wisdom or prophetic insight; legendary accounts attribute Empress Jingu's campaign to conquer Korea to an oracle she delivered while possessed.

Vice

Truth be told, a lot of books coming down the pike are basic concepts repackaged, and at this point I find myself just skimming through some books looking to see if there is a pearl or two from which I can glean some wisdom.

Huffington Post

The wisdom gleaned from audiences was not, however, cumulative.

The New Yorker

She took me under her wing and shared an abundance of wisdom gleaned from kitchens in her native Bombay, today's Mumbai.

The New York Times - Food

The wisdom gleaned from that partnership lives on in the way he finesses the melody of a song, like a vocalist, before easing into his own obbligato.

The New York Times - Arts

These mature women, oozing wisdom gleaned from the painful turbulence of youth and broken relationships like ripe brie, are Trollope's forte.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gleaned wisdom" when you want to emphasize that the wisdom was acquired gradually and carefully, often through experience or study. It adds a sense of depth and thoughtfulness to the knowledge being described.

Common error

While "gleaned wisdom" is a valid phrase, it carries a certain weight. Avoid using it in contexts that are trivial or lack substance, as it can sound pretentious or out of place. Use it when the wisdom is genuinely significant and thoughtfully acquired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gleaned wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, where "gleaned" acts as a past participle modifying the noun "wisdom". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. The adjective "gleaned" specifies the type of wisdom.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gleaned wisdom" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe knowledge acquired through careful observation, study, or experience. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage often lends a tone of thoughtfulness and depth. The phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as discussions about the arts and books. When using "gleaned wisdom", it's important to consider the context and ensure that the wisdom being described warrants the weight and significance that the phrase implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derived wisdom

Focuses on how wisdom is sourced or obtained.

gained insight

Focuses on understanding something deeply.

obtained insight

Focuses on achieving a clear or deep perception of a situation.

acquired knowledge

Emphasizes the process of gaining knowledge over time.

developed understanding

Highlights the process of gradual growth in comprehension.

learned lessons

Highlights knowledge gained from past experiences.

accumulated experience

Stresses the gradual build-up of knowledge through practice.

distilled knowledge

Implies a refined understanding of a subject.

harvested insights

Suggests careful gathering and collection of understandings.

extracted understanding

Highlights the process of pulling out a specific piece of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "gleaned wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "gleaned wisdom" to describe insights or knowledge gained over time through experience or careful observation. For example, "The elder shared the "gleaned wisdom" of her years with the younger generation."

What phrases are similar to "gleaned wisdom"?

Similar phrases include "acquired knowledge", "gained insight", or "learned lessons". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gleaned wisdom" formal or informal?

"Gleaned wisdom" leans towards formal and thoughtful contexts. It suggests a deliberate process of acquiring knowledge, making it suitable for more serious or reflective writing.

What's the difference between "gleaned wisdom" and "common knowledge"?

"Gleaned wisdom" implies a personal journey of discovery and understanding, while "common knowledge" refers to facts or information widely known and accepted. You actively "glean" wisdom; you passively receive common knowledge.