vast wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extensive amount of knowledge or insight possessed by someone. Example: "The ancient philosopher was known for his vast wisdom, which guided many generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He is said to have possessed vast wisdom and to have amazed visiting Brahmans (Hindu priests) with his great knowledge of the Hindu scripture Bhagavadgita.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With age comes wisdom... Thank you for sharing your vast wisdom with me today.

Huffington Post

The state legislature in its vast wisdom raised salaries, a cache of hidden money (dating back, I'm told, to the early '90s) was discovered at the state parks department, deceptive PR and soft reporting created the false impression that the high-speed rail program would be paid for out of the state's general fund.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(The remarkable piece in yesterday's Times magazine by Stephen Rodrick, about Paul Schrader's new film, "The Canyons," reveals the vast practical wisdom about the ways of power on which a great filmmaker's art is built).

The New Yorker

In literature, we have a vast repository of wisdom that is presented in the form of fiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Health Concerns Dr. Jane Aronson, a New York pediatrician whose Web site, www.orphandoctor.com, attests to her vast experience and wisdom in dealing with international adoptions, said in an interview that "preparation is the whole key to success".

The New York Times - Health

He was an active and steadfast champion of the Museum's mission of scientific exploration and education about the natural world and human cultures, contributing his vast expertise and wisdom to the full range of the Museum's work during a period of great institutional growth.

The New York Times

Romer took the angle of his vast experience and wisdom that comes with age.

Huffington Post

"As chairman of the board, he brought his vast experience and wisdom to bear during a time of incredible growth and helped guide us through periods of enormous change," Frank A. Bennack Jr., chief executive of Hearst Corp., said in a statement.

Los Angeles Times

On the other side, younger people lose access to a vast store of wisdom and experience, and are tempted to adopt a false vision of life -- to live as if old age were something that only happened to other people.

Huffington Post

For both Israelis and Palestinians, the mere mention of '48 or '67 or '73 conjures up vast stores of accepted wisdom, cherished myths and painful emotions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast wisdom" to emphasize the significant depth and breadth of someone's understanding, especially when highlighting their ability to make insightful judgments or provide profound advice.

Common error

Avoid using "vast wisdom" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "good sense" or "insightful" when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" modifies the noun "wisdom". This phrase typically serves as a subject complement or object complement, describing a quality or attribute of a person or concept. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast wisdom" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to convey profound knowledge and understanding. Although its frequency is uncommon, according to Ludwig's analysis, it's employed across news, encyclopedic, and general informational contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's best used to accentuate the significant depth and scale of comprehension, particularly when describing someone's insightful judgments. To ensure appropriateness, exercise caution in overly informal settings where simpler alternatives might better suit the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense wisdom

Replaces "vast" with "immense", emphasizing the scale of wisdom.

extensive wisdom

Substitutes "vast" with "extensive", highlighting the breadth of wisdom.

great wisdom

Uses "great" instead of "vast", indicating a high degree of wisdom.

profound understanding

Shifts focus to understanding, suggesting deep insight and knowledge.

deep insight

Highlights the depth of understanding and perception.

considerable knowledge

Focuses on the quantity of knowledge possessed.

remarkable insight

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the understanding.

exceptional understanding

Highlights the superior quality of understanding.

extensive knowledge base

Focuses on the wide-ranging scope of someone's knowledge.

remarkable intellect

Shifts emphasis to intellectual capacity.

FAQs

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

You can use "vast wisdom" to describe someone possessing a great deal of insight and understanding, such as, "The elder was respected for his "vast wisdom" and guidance."

What are some synonyms for "vast wisdom"?

Alternatives to "vast wisdom" include phrases like "profound understanding", "deep insight", or "extensive knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "vast wisdom" in formal writing?

Yes, "vast wisdom" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a strong sense of deep understanding and is suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "vast wisdom" and "intelligence"?

"Vast wisdom" implies a deeper understanding and ability to apply knowledge, often gained through experience, while "intelligence" refers more generally to the capacity for learning and reasoning.