- with a knowing or thoughtful expression; in a way that suggests careful reflection: By way of response, my father only puffed on his pipe and nodded sagely.
- in a wise or judicious way; insightfully: As someone has sagely pointed out, today's idiot will be tomorrow's beacon of truth.
- wise or judicious; insightful: A lot of people think that, like a sagely seaman who acquires wisdom and whiskers as his years trickle away on the sea, all traditions gain value as they age.
