adjective constant, firm, self-relying of character; wise, possessing the knowledge of the Dhamma, often = paṇḍita & epithet of an Arahant DN.ii.128; SN.i.24 (lokapariyāyaṃ aññāya nibbutā dh.), SN.i.122, SN.i.221; Snp.45, Snp.235 (nibbanti dhīrā), Snp.913 (vippamutto diṭṭhigatehi dh.), Snp.1052; Iti.68 (˚upasevanā, opp. bāla), Iti.122 (dh. sabbaganthapamocano); Dhp.23, Dhp.28, Dhp.177 (opp bāla); Thag.4; Thag.2, Thag.7 (dhammā = tejussadehi ariyamaggadhammehi Thag-a.13); Ja.iii.396; Ja.v.116; Pv.ii.1#6 Pv.ii.9#45; Mnd.44, Mnd.55, Mnd.482; Cnd.324 (= jutimant); Mil.342; Kp-a.194, Kp-a.224, Kp-a.230; Dhp-a.iii.189 (= paṇḍita).
combining in meaning 1 Sk. dhīra “firm” fr. dhārayati (see dharati & dhiti); 2 Vedic. dhīra “wise” fr. dīdheti (see dhi2). The fluctuation of connotation is also seen in the explains of Coms which always give the foll. three conventional etymologies, viz. dhikkitapāpa dhiti-sampanna, dhiyā (= paññāya) samannāgata Mnd.44 ≈ (see dhi2)