after-wittedadj.
/ˈɑːftəˌwɪtᵻd/, /ˈaftəˌwɪtᵻd/, U.S. /ˈæftərˌwɪdᵻd/ Now rare.
That is wise after the event; lacking foresight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > incautiousness > [adjective] > imprudent > wise when too late
after-witted?1533
?1533 W. Tyndale Expos. Mathew vi. f. lxxxi Oure fassyons of eatynge make vs slouthful..after witted (as we calle it) incircumspecte inconsiderat, hedie, rashe.
1610 J. Healey tr. J. L. Vives in tr. St. Augustine Citie of God xviii. viii. 666 Prometheus is one of a forewit, & Epimetheus an after witted man.
1656 J. Trapp Comm. New Test. (ed. 2) (Matt. xxv. 2) 303 These last [sc. the foolish] usually the most, imprudent, improvident, after-witted, oculos habentes in occipitio, that foresee not a following mischief, [etc.].
1724 J. Swift Wood's Plot discover'd 10 He thinks we poor Irish are after-witted.
1898 ‘O. Thanet’ Heart of Toil 21 Nor did Race, an afterwitted fellow at the best, find a word of reply.
1922 E. R. Eddison Worm Ouroboros xxxii. 408 Now is our greatness turned in woe, dolour, and heaviness. And easy it is to be after-witted.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.?1533