sagely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sagely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is wise or shows great wisdom, often in a thoughtful or reflective manner. Example: "He spoke sagely about the importance of patience in achieving long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean look at the kick-off times!" Yes, I nod, sagely.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"In the end it's all about ideas," he offers sagely, apropos of nothing.

The Guardian

He's prone to murmuruing sagely, "Ah, so!" and offering up implausible lines such as (describing a drawing) "What harmony and colour.

The Guardian - Film

Asked if he was disappointed at the tardiness of the polls, one Dinka tribesman in Juba sagely replied that he was confident they would open eventually, on "African time".The late openings will, however, further complicate an already dangerously cumbersome exercise.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the man who sagely observed that "It's the economy, stupid" offers a similarly blunt analysis of the mayoral race.

The Economist

In each case "boldness" has been inhibited by loyalty to friends, qualms about ruining careers and concern about constitutional niceties (it has been one of those weeks when commentators sagely bandy about medieval dates and precedents hastily garnered from Wikipedia).The main explanation, however, is politicians' self-interest.

The Economist

As Deutsche sagely saysFor valuations to be sustained and for equity returns to mirror those seen through hiustory, at some point we need nominal GDP growth to improve on recent trends.

The Economist

On Monday, they unveiled their monument's design (pictured): a winged creature with the torso of a man, the head of a goat and horns sits on a throne beneath a Pentagram, two fingers sagely raised as two tow-headed children look on in wonder.

The Economist

Although self-consciousness can be debilitatingly intense, as in adolescence, the lack of it has its perils too, not just for propriety but for morality.Finding the right value to put on oneself is a balancing act, Mr Blackburn sagely observes, though there are no simple rules that can steer us between the Scylla of excessive self-love and the Charybdis of its opposite.

The Economist

Since he would have a chance of about one in four of being proved wrong eventually, Dr Doyle sagely claims nothing of the sort.

The Economist

Spring is still in the air Silence in class Reprints Related topics Crime Crime and law South AfricaWhen the trial began seven months ago, there was much pride in the sight of Ms Masipa, a former crime reporter and social worker, sagely holding court over a white defendant and mainly white lawyers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sagely" when you want to convey a sense of profound wisdom or thoughtful consideration, often tinged with experience.

Common error

Avoid using "sagely" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural adverbs like "wisely" or "thoughtfully" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sagely" is to act as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sagely" functions as an adverb that enriches writing by indicating actions performed with wisdom and thoughtfulness. Ludwig AI data shows it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use in News & Media along with Encyclopedias. To prevent sounding overly formal, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts, consider alternatives such as "wisely" or "thoughtfully" in less formal situations. By being mindful of its register, writers can effectively leverage "sagely" to add depth and sophistication to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wisely

Direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of being wise.

with wisdom

Emphasizes the presence of wisdom in the action or statement.

thoughtfully

Highlights the careful and considered nature of the action.

prudently

Focuses on the careful and wise handling of practical matters.

astutely

Emphasizes keen intelligence and discernment.

perceptively

Highlights the ability to understand things quickly and accurately.

discerningly

Implies a refined judgment and ability to distinguish.

with great insight

Emphasizes the depth of understanding brought to the situation.

judiciously

Focuses on the use of good judgment and fairness.

shrewdly

Suggests cleverness and resourcefulness in decision-making.

FAQs

How to use "sagely" in a sentence?

"Sagely" is an adverb that modifies a verb, indicating that something is done in a wise or thoughtful manner. For example: "He nodded "sagely" as he listened to the complex explanation."

What can I say instead of "sagely"?

You can use alternatives like "wisely", "thoughtfully", or "prudently" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sagely" or "sagacious"?

"Sagely" is an adverb, describing how something is done, while "sagacious" is an adjective, describing a person or thing possessing wisdom. So you would say someone acts "sagely" because they are "sagacious".

What's the difference between "sagely" and "knowingly"?

"Sagely" implies wisdom and thoughtfulness, whereas "knowingly" suggests awareness or intention, often with a hint of secret knowledge. For example, nodding "sagely" suggests agreement with wisdom, while nodding "knowingly" suggests sharing a secret.