Word for wise person who can see the big picture when others cannot

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up vote
9
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Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.

The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

2

Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 9 at 22:29

1

The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:49

"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
Nov 10 at 13:03

really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
Nov 10 at 14:31

Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
Nov 10 at 20:56

add a comment |

up vote
9
down vote

favorite

Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.

The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

2

Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 9 at 22:29

1

The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:49

"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
Nov 10 at 13:03

really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
Nov 10 at 14:31

Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
Nov 10 at 20:56

add a comment |

up vote
9
down vote

favorite

Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.

The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.

The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.

single-word-requests adjectives

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

edited Nov 9 at 22:23

sumelic

45.3k7108210

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

asked Nov 9 at 21:39

user323639

523

2

Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 9 at 22:29

1

The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:49

"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
Nov 10 at 13:03

really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
Nov 10 at 14:31

Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
Nov 10 at 20:56

add a comment |

2

Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 9 at 22:29

1

The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:49

"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
Nov 10 at 13:03

really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
Nov 10 at 14:31

Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
Nov 10 at 20:56

Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 9 at 22:29

The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:49

"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
Nov 10 at 13:03

really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
Nov 10 at 14:31

Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
Nov 10 at 20:56

add a comment |

9 Answers
9

active

oldest

votes

up vote
17
down vote

The professor was visionary:

with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

In British English the word is far-sighted.

far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/

far-sighted adjective (WISE)

uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:

Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted

However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.

EDIT

Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.

farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

1

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

1

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

|
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up vote
5
down vote

You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.

Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

You can say the professor was far-seeing:

Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.

This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

4

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

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up vote
3
down vote

I went with:

Sage:

Wise, especially as a result of great experience.

Which can be used as noun or adjective.

"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."

Alternatively:

"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

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up vote
3
down vote

"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.

If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:

astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly

perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive

insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation

However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.

In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:

perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment

far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS

wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

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up vote
1
down vote

To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.

The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.

ODO:

clear-sighted ADJECTIVE

Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.

‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’

‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’

perspicacious ADJECTIVE

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’

discerning ADJECTIVE

Having or showing good judgement.

‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

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up vote
0
down vote

Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

1

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

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up vote
0
down vote

I can't think of a single adjective, but "The professor didn't lose the forest in the trees" could be a useful idiom.

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

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9 Answers
9

active

oldest

votes

9 Answers
9

active

oldest

votes

up vote
17
down vote

The professor was visionary:

with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

add a comment |

up vote
17
down vote

The professor was visionary:

with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

add a comment |

up vote
17
down vote

The professor was visionary:

with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

The professor was visionary:

with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

answered Nov 9 at 21:42

user240918

24k967146

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

add a comment |

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
Nov 10 at 19:40

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

In British English the word is far-sighted.

far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/

far-sighted adjective (WISE)

uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:

Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted

However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.

EDIT

farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

1

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

1

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

|
show 3 more comments

up vote
8
down vote

In British English the word is far-sighted.

far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/

far-sighted adjective (WISE)

uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:

Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted

However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.

EDIT

farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

1

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

1

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

|
show 3 more comments

up vote
8
down vote

In British English the word is far-sighted.

far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/

far-sighted adjective (WISE)

uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:

Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted

However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.

EDIT

farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

In British English the word is far-sighted.

far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/

far-sighted adjective (WISE)

uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:

Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted

However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.

EDIT

farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

edited Nov 10 at 11:14

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

answered Nov 9 at 23:27

chasly from UK

22.6k13068

1

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

1

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

|
show 3 more comments

1

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

1

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:41

@Chappo 2: affected with hyperopia. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 9 at 23:47

@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
Nov 9 at 23:54

@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
Nov 10 at 0:03

@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
Nov 10 at 2:57

|
show 3 more comments

up vote
5
down vote

You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

add a comment |

up vote
5
down vote

You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

add a comment |

up vote
5
down vote

You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

answered Nov 9 at 23:28

Jelila

2,7471214

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

You can say the professor was far-seeing:

Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.

This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

4

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

You can say the professor was far-seeing:

Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.

This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

4

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

You can say the professor was far-seeing:

Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.

This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

You can say the professor was far-seeing:

Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.

This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

answered Nov 9 at 23:08

Oleksandr Karaberov

1796

4

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

add a comment |

4

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
Nov 9 at 23:30

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

I went with:

Sage:

Wise, especially as a result of great experience.

Which can be used as noun or adjective.

"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."

Alternatively:

"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

I went with:

Sage:

Wise, especially as a result of great experience.

Which can be used as noun or adjective.

"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."

Alternatively:

"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

I went with:

Sage:

Wise, especially as a result of great experience.

Which can be used as noun or adjective.

"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."

Alternatively:

"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

I went with:

Sage:

Wise, especially as a result of great experience.

Which can be used as noun or adjective.

"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."

Alternatively:

"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

answered Nov 10 at 0:34

Lamar Latrell

1,8582822

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.

If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:

astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly

perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive

insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation

However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.

In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:

perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment

far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS

wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.

If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:

astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly

perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive

insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation

However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.

In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:

perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment

far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS

wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.

If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:

astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly

perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive

insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation

However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.

In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:

perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment

far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS

wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.

If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:

astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly

perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight

observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive

insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation

However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.

In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:

perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment

far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS

wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.

(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

answered Nov 10 at 19:14

Randall Stewart

1,449310

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.

The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.

ODO:

clear-sighted ADJECTIVE

Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.

‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’

‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’

perspicacious ADJECTIVE

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’

discerning ADJECTIVE

Having or showing good judgement.

‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.

The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.

ODO:

clear-sighted ADJECTIVE

Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.

‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’

‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’

perspicacious ADJECTIVE

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’

discerning ADJECTIVE

Having or showing good judgement.

‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.

The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.

ODO:

clear-sighted ADJECTIVE

Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.

‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’

‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’

perspicacious ADJECTIVE

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’

discerning ADJECTIVE

Having or showing good judgement.

‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.

The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.

ODO:

clear-sighted ADJECTIVE

Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.

‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’

‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’

perspicacious ADJECTIVE

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’

discerning ADJECTIVE

Having or showing good judgement.

‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

answered Nov 10 at 17:47

alwayslearning

25.3k63592

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

1

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

1

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

answered Nov 10 at 3:08

Þorn

1

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

add a comment |

1

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 4:57

He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
Nov 10 at 7:30

Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
Nov 10 at 8:23

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

I can't think of a single adjective, but "The professor didn't lose the forest in the trees" could be a useful idiom.

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

I can't think of a single adjective, but "The professor didn't lose the forest in the trees" could be a useful idiom.

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

I can't think of a single adjective, but "The professor didn't lose the forest in the trees" could be a useful idiom.

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

I can't think of a single adjective, but "The professor didn't lose the forest in the trees" could be a useful idiom.

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

answered Nov 11 at 1:58

tparker

498414

add a comment |

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