sapience

wisdom or deep discernment

Root

sap / sav: taste, savor, or wisdom

Other words with the sap / sav root

insipid: dull or lacking flavor
sage: a wise person
sapid: having taste or flavor
sapient: wise or possessing judgment
savor: to taste or enjoy fully

Sapience is wisdom as discernment: the mind has learned what is worth tasting and trusting.

The professor wore her sapience lightly, asking one question that changed the room.

Sapience sounds grand, but the image can stay simple. A sapient person has a refined taste for judgment: what matters, what does not, and what only looks impressive.