sage

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Etymology

From Middle English sage, from Old French sage (11th century), from Vulgar Latin *sapium, from Latin sapere (“to taste, to discern, to be wise”). The noun meaning "man of profound wisdom" is recorded from circa 1300. Originally applied to the Seven Sages of Greece.

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