Meaning & use
overwise
Last updated
Excessively or foolishly wise; too clever for one's own good, especially in a self-important way.
See it in a sentence
The old proverb warns against being overwise, since excessive cleverness can breed arrogance.
He came across as overwise, forever correcting others instead of listening.
A note on using this word
This archaic word appears in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 7:16), warning against being "righteous overmuch" or "overwise," lest one destroy oneself.
Words with a similar meaning
overclever
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Words with an opposite meaning
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