sapient
1
9.9
- adjective
- /ˈseɪpiənt/
- Formal
:
sapiente
- A separate question that I explore in EXISTENCE and also in my Uplift Series of novels (now being re-released in the UK in beautiful omnibus editions by Orbit Books) is whether we should start to help other species burst through that glass ceiling and join us as fully sapient fellow citizens of a much broader and more diverse Earthly culture.
- sapient creature
- sapient species
Examples
-
"Whatever the creatures were, they were not human, or members of any other sapient species of which I'm aware."
Fiction book (2002) -
As sapient apes, we have now learned ways to feel confusion about these natural impulses and view them in ways distinct from the present.
Blog text (4) -
With a sapient creature, we can reason; we can deal.
Fiction book (2001) -
The D.E. certainly seems to line up the varied factors involved in bringing sapient life to prominence in our galaxy.
Blog text (6) -
Not multicellular life... or if it is multicellular, very likely not intelligent, let alone sapient.
Blog text (6) -
Any sapient creature making a claim to sanity would find hurtling along in a fragile craft of metal and ferro-ceramics to be stupid or suicidal.
Fiction book (1999) -
I would hope that this is a conscious decision made with the full knowledge of how sentient/sapient food animals are and how they are treated, but frankly, given how often I hear "but bacon is tasty" both here and in real life, and seeing pigs compared to beets in this thread, I'm skeptical that this happens very often.
Blog text (15) -
Certainly (Japan never conquered half a continent, had sapient insect warriors as auxilia, or had magicians who could destroy hundreds of soldiers by thinking hard—
Blog text (17) -
Smart leaders are often considered sapient for their ability to make wise decisions.
-
The philosopher was known for his sapient insights into human nature and morality.
Synonyms
758
2.1
Showing good judgment from experience
81
2.7
Showing good judgment and practical sense
40
6.9
Good at understanding a situation quickly and using it to get an advantage
2
8.6
Being very wise and good at making decisions
1
9.8
Able to notice and understand things that are not obvious
Antonyms
How Wise
Surface Forms
Etymology
Sapient comes from the Latin root sapere, which meant 'to taste' and 'to have sense'. Think of tasting something carefully, as in savour or savory, and that careful taste became a picture for 'good judgement', so sapient means 'wise' and shows good judgement.