sapient
/ˈseɪpɪənt/ · sap·ient
noun
- An intelligent, self‑aware being. In the novel, the sapient robots demanded equal rights.
adjective
- Attempting to appear wise or discerning. He made a sapient remark, though it sounded more pretentious than profound.
- Possessing wisdom and discernment; wise, learned. The professor's sapient analysis clarified the complex theory.
- Of a species or life‑form, possessing intelligence or self‑awareness. Scientists debate whether dolphins are sapient creatures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The species name Homo sapiens literally means ‘wise man’, and the term ‘sapient’ was popularized in science‑fiction to describe non‑human intelligences.