WIS

What is WIS short for in Dungeons & Dragons?

Wisdom

In Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), WIS is short for Wisdom. Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players may use WIS in place of Wisdom when discussing an in-game action that references a character's Wisdom score or modifier.

Each DnD character possesses six basic abilities that describe that character's physical and mental capabilities. These are:

  • Strength (STR)
  • Dexterity (DEX)
  • Constitution (CON)
  • Intelligence (INT)
  • Wisdom (WIS)
  • Charisma (CHA)

Each ability has a numeric score and ability check modifier (such as +2 or -1) associated with it. Players reference these numbers when performing actions related to an ability.

For example, if a player attempts to determine whether an NPC is lying, their DM will ask them to make a Wisdom check to determine whether they are successful. The player then rolls a d20 and adds their WIS modifier to the result, hoping for a high total that will lend their character some insight.

In forums, rulebooks, and virtual DnD-playing platforms, many players and DMs abbreviate Wisdom as WIS. So, in the example provided above, the DM might ask the player to make a WIS check, which is the same as a Wisdom check.

Example

Okay, my character's WIS modifier is ... -2. Is that bad?
Yup, it's pretty bad. Roll your Wisdom check

Jake the Dog, succeeding on a WIS check

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Updated November 6, 2020

WIS definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the abbreviation "WIS" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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