Wise vs. Vice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Wise describes having knowledge and good judgment, often from experience; vice refers to immoral or wicked behavior, embodying the opposite of virtue.
Difference Between Wise and Vice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wise pertains to the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment, often regarded as a virtue in individuals who make thoughtful and beneficial decisions. Conversely, vice represents behaviors or habits that are considered immoral, unethical, or detrimental to oneself or others, often standing in direct contrast to virtues such as wisdom.
In the context of personal development, being wise involves learning from experiences, demonstrating discernment, and making prudent choices that benefit oneself and others. On the other hand, indulging in a vice typically leads to negative consequences and is viewed as a failure of self-control or moral reasoning, reflecting poorly on one’s character.
The portrayal of wisdom often includes a calm demeanor, insightful advice, and actions that reflect a deep understanding of life. Whereas vice is frequently associated with excess, such as in greed, lust, or wrath, and is depicted as leading to personal and social harm.
Philosophically, wisdom is celebrated as a key to living well and is often the focus of teachings in various philosophical and religious traditions aiming to guide individuals toward fulfilling lives. In contrast, vice is discussed as a pitfall to be avoided, a cause of suffering and moral degradation that philosophers and religious leaders warn against.
Wise individuals are often revered and respected, considered valuable resources within communities for guidance and leadership. Vice, however, is typically stigmatized, and those known for their vices may be shunned or criticized by their communities, reflecting the general aversion to unethical behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Having knowledge and good judgment
Immoral or wicked behavior
Context
Personal development, decision-making
Ethical considerations, behavior
Social Perception
Valued and respected
Generally stigmatized and criticized
Examples in Literature
Sages, mentors, wise leaders
Depictions of greed, lust, envy
Outcome
Leads to enlightenment and respect
Leads to harm and moral degradation
Compare with Definitions
Wise
Exhibiting knowledge and experience.
The wise elder advised caution.
Vice
Associated with excess or depravity.
Greed is often seen as a corporate vice.
Wise
Valued for thoughtful insights.
Her wise words calmed the worried crowd.
Vice
Immoral or wicked behavior.
Gambling became his vice.
Wise
Being prudent and thoughtful.
It was wise to prepare for the storm.
Vice
Stigmatized personal behaviors.
His vice of lying cost him many friendships.
Wise
Characterized by sound judgment.
Choosing to save money was a wise decision.
Vice
A bad habit detrimental to one's character.
Smoking is a harmful vice to quit.
Wise
Associated with learning from experience.
He became wise after many years in the industry.
Vice
Something that is considered corrupting.
The city was known for its vices.
Wise
Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious
A wise leader.
Vice
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trait, a defect, an infirmity, or a bad or unhealthy habit.
Wise
Exhibiting common sense; prudent
A wise decision.
Vice
A practice or habit considered to be evil, degrading, or immoral
The vices of smoking and drinking.
Wise
Shrewd; crafty
Made a wise move selling the house when he did.
Vice
Wicked or depraved conduct or habits; corruption
"sharpers, desperadoes, pirates, and criminals steeped in vice" (Carl Holliday).
Wise
Provided with information; informed. Often used with to
I'm wise to your tricks. We were none the wiser after reading the report.
Vice
Prostitution, the sale of illegal drugs, and certain other forms of usually nonviolent criminal behavior.
Wise
(Slang) Rude and disrespectful; impudent.
Vice
A slight personal failing; a foible
The vice of untidiness.
Wise
Method or manner of doing; way
In no wise.
In any wise.
Vice
A flaw or imperfection; a defect
"Lady Hester remarked on the vice in his looks" (Edna O'Brien).
Wise
Showing good judgement or the benefit of experience.
Storing extra food for the winter was a wise decision.
They were considered the wise old men of the administration.
"It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish" - Aeschylus
Vice
Vice A character representing generalized or particular vice in English morality plays.
Wise
Disrespectful.
Don't get wise with me!
Vice
A jester or buffoon.
Wise
(colloquial) Aware, informed.
Be careful: the boss is wise to your plan to call out sick.
Vice
Variant of vise.
Wise
To become wise.
Vice
In place of; replacing
Ms. Fine acted as treasurer, vice Mr. Smith.
Wise
Usually with "up", to inform or learn.
Mo wised him up about his situation.
After Mo had a word with him, he wised up.
Vice
A bad habit.
Pride is a vice, not a virtue.
Smoking was a vice Sally picked up in high school.
Wise
(dialectal) To instruct.
Vice
(legal) Any of various crimes related (depending on jurisdiction) to weapons, prostitution, pornography, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Wise
(dialectal) To advise; induce.
Vice
Clip of vice squad
Wise
(dialectal) To show the way, guide.
Vice
A defect in the temper or behaviour of a horse, such as to make the animal dangerous, to injure its health, or to diminish its usefulness.
Wise
(dialectal) To direct the course of, pilot.
Vice
(UK) vise
Wise
(dialectal) To cause to turn.
Vice
A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
Wise
(archaic) Way, manner, or method.
Vice
(architecture) A winding or spiral staircase.
Wise
Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.
They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Vice
(obsolete) A grip or grasp.
Wise
Hence, especially, making due use of knowledge; discerning and judging soundly concerning what is true or false, proper or improper; choosing the best ends and the best means for accomplishing them; sagacious.
When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.
From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.
Vice
One who acts in place of a superior.
Wise
Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination.
Fal. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone.Sim. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford?
Vice
Alternative spelling of vise
Wise
Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty.
Nor, on the other side,Will I be penuriously wiseAs to make money, that's my slave, my idol.
Lords do not care for me:I am too wise to die yet.
Vice
In place of; subordinate to; designating a person below another in rank
Vice president
Vice admiral
Wise
Dictated or guided by wisdom; containing or exhibiting wisdom; well adapted to produce good effects; judicious; discreet; as, a wise saying; a wise scheme or plan; wise conduct or management; a wise determination.
A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one;He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.
You are too wise in years, too full of counsel,For my green experience.
Vice
(dated) instead of, in place of, versus (sense 2)
Wise
Way of being or acting; manner; mode; fashion.
To love her in my beste wyse.
This song she sings in most commanding wise.
Let not these blessings then, sent from above,Abused be, or spilt in profane wise.
Vice
A defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection; as, the vices of a political constitution; the vices of a horse.
Withouten vice of syllable or letter.
Mark the vice of the procedure.
Wise
A way of doing or being;
In no wise
In this wise
Vice
The buffoon of the old English moralities, or moral dramas, having the name sometimes of one vice, sometimes of another, or of Vice itself; - called also Iniquity.
How like you the Vice in the play? . . . I would not give a rush for a Vice that has not a wooden dagger to snap at everybody.
Wise
United States Jewish leader (born in Hungary) (1874-1949)
Vice
A kind of instrument for holding work, as in filing. Same as Vise.
Wise
United States religious leader (born in Bohemia) who united reform Jewish organizations in the United States (1819-1900)
Vice
A tool for drawing lead into cames, or flat grooved rods, for casements.
Wise
Having or prompted by wisdom or discernment;
A wise leader
A wise and perceptive comment
Vice
A gripe or grasp.
Wise
Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters;
Judicious use of one's money
A sensible manager
A wise decision
Vice
To hold or squeeze with a vice, or as if with a vice.
The coachman's hand was viced between his upper and lower thigh.
Wise
Evidencing the possession of inside information
Vice
In the place of; in the stead; as, A. B. was appointed postmaster vice C. D. resigned.
Wise
Able to take a broad view of negotiations between states
Vice
Denoting one who in certain cases may assume the office or duties of a superior; designating an officer or an office that is second in rank or authority; as, vice president; vice agent; vice consul, etc.
Wise
Carefully considered;
A considered opinion
Vice
Moral weakness
Vice
A specific form of evildoing;
Vice offends the moral standards of the community
Common Curiosities
Can a vice be overcome?
Yes, vices can be overcome with personal effort, support from others, and sometimes professional help, depending on the nature of the vice.
What are common examples of vice in society?
Common vices include substance abuse, gambling, dishonesty, and other behaviors seen as harmful or unethical.
Why is wisdom valued in leaders?
Wisdom is valued in leaders because it leads to thoughtful, informed decision-making that can guide groups or communities effectively.
How can wisdom be developed?
Wisdom can be developed through education, reflective experiences, and by seeking the counsel of those considered wise.
What impact does vice have on personal relationships?
Vice can strain or destroy personal relationships, leading to mistrust and conflict among individuals.
What role does culture play in defining wisdom?
Culture influences what is considered wise, shaping how wisdom is recognized and the traits associated with wise individuals.
Can someone be wise and still have vices?
Yes, it's possible for someone to have wisdom in some areas of life while struggling with vices in others, reflecting the complex nature of human behavior.
What is the key difference between wise and vice?
Wise describes qualities related to good judgment and knowledge, while vice refers to immoral behaviors or habits.
How do religions view wise behavior?
Most religions highly value wise behavior, often associating it with spiritual maturity and moral righteousness.
Is vice always illegal?
Not all vices are illegal, but they are generally considered unethical or harmful; legal consequences depend on the specific behavior and jurisdiction.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
