Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of aromatic plant: A perennial herb of the genus Salvia, particularly Salvia officinalis, with grey-green leaves used as a culinary seasoning.
   • A profoundly wise person: A person, especially an older person, venerated for their experience, judgment, and profound wisdom, often in spiritual or philosophical matters.

2. Adjective:

   • Wise and judicious: Characterized by or showing profound wisdom, good judgment, and often a calm, solemn manner, typically as a result of experience and maturity.
   • Grey-green in color: Of the muted, greyish-green color typical of sage leaves.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Plant):
  • I added fresh sage to the stuffing for the turkey.
  • The garden is full of rosemary, thyme, and sage.
• Noun (Person):
  • The village elders were considered sages, and their advice was always sought.
  • Ancient texts are filled with the teachings of sages.
• Adjective:
  • She offered some sage advice about managing finances.
  • His sage demeanor calmed everyone in the room.
  • She painted the walls a soothing sage green.

Advanced Usage

• The Seven Sages: A traditional term referring to a group of seven ancient Greek philosophers, statesmen, and law-givers who were renowned for their wisdom.
  • Solon of Athens is often counted among the Seven Sages of Greece.
• Sage on the stage: A metaphorical phrase (often contrasted with "guide on the side") describing a traditional teacher who imparts knowledge authoritatively from the front of the classroom.
  • The professor moved from being a sage on the stage to a facilitator of discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Sagebrush (n): A different, shrubby plant () common in arid regions of western North America. (Note: This is a compound word, distinct from the herb 'sage').
• Sagely (adv): In a wise or judicious manner.
  • He nodded sagely at the suggestion.
• Sageness (n): The quality of being sage; wisdom.
  • Her sageness was respected by all who knew her.

Synonyms

• Noun (Person): Wise man/woman, philosopher, guru, mentor, oracle, pundit.
• Adjective (Wise): Wise, judicious, prudent, sensible, shrewd, discerning.

Related Phrases

• Sage advice: Advice that is wise and well-considered.
  • My grandfather always had sage advice for any situation.
• Sage green: The specific grey-green color associated with sage leaves.
  • The bridesmaids wore dresses in sage green.

Adjective

1. of the grey-green color of sage leaves
2. having wisdom that comes with age and experience

Noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Salvia; a cosmopolitan herb
2. aromatic fresh or dried grey-green leaves used widely as seasoning for meats and fowl and game etc
3. a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom