As a Noun: 1. The ability to understand or learn things easily or plan things well. English = cleverness, smartness, intelligence. 2. The ability to use your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions and judgements. Often thought to be a quality of older people. English = wisdom. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To understand or learn things easily or be able to plans things well. English = (be) clever, (be) smart, (be) intelligent. 2. To be able to use your experience and knowledge (especially because of age) in order to make sensible decisions and judgements. English = (be) wise.