sagest

Sagest is the superlative form of the adjective sage, used to describe the most wise. It is uncommon in modern everyday speech and is typically found in literary, biblical, or formally styled prose. When used, it often conveys an archaic or elevated tone.

Etymology and formation: The base word sage comes from Old French sage, itself from Latin sapiens meaning wise. English formed comparative and superlative degrees with the standard suffixes, yielding sage, sagest (and, less commonly, sagest). In contemporary usage, the more common superlative for wise is wisest, while sagest remains largely literary or historical.

Usage and examples: In historical or stylistically formal texts, sagest may appear where a writer wishes a weightier, more antique register. For example, one might encounter phrases such as “the sagest counsel” or “among the sagest men of the era.” In modern writing, sages, wisest people, or the phrase “wisest counsel” are far more typical.

Comparison with related terms: Sagest is closely related to sage as a noun (a wise person) and to sagacity (the quality of being wise). It is distinct from sagacious, an adjective meaning having or showing keen discernment, which remains common in academic or descriptive contexts. Readers should note that sagest is rarely required by contemporary grammar and can sound archaic outside specialist or stylistic settings.

See also: Sage, Sagacity, Sagacious, Wisest.