intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈin-tə-ˌlekt 

1

a

: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge

b

: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed

2

: a person with great intellectual powers

Synonyms

• brain
• brainiac
• genius
• thinker
• whiz
• wiz
• wizard

Examples of intellect in a Sentence

She is a woman of superior intellect.

She has a sharp intellect.

We were required to read a book every week in order to develop our intellects.

music that appeals to the intellect while still satisfying the emotions

Recent Examples on the Web

And certainly, in the playoffs in the end of the year, Jayden Daniels sitting in the pocket, beating pressure, so much of that again with his poise and intellect and accuracy with his arm, and again, just really, really rare to see that. —ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025

While all of this is going on, Rowan, trapped in the Victrola (which Julien has staged like a Victorian pub, for some reason), is just blowing through lore exposition thanks to her suddenly unencumbered intellect. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2025

With sharp wit, keen intellect and disarming beauty, Faithfull accessed rooms where millions of Beatles-loving teens longed to be. —Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025

Lawler’s Suzy is a poignant mass of fierce intellect and crushing vulnerability, of resolute determination and emotional chaos. —Chad Jones, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intellectus, from intellegere to understand — more at intelligent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt 

1

a

: the power of knowing

b

: the capacity for thought especially when highly developed

2

: a person of notable intellect

Medical Definition

intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt 

1

: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge

2

: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought

intellectual

ˌint-ᵊl-ˈek-ch(ə-w)əl, -ˈeksh-wəl 

adjective

intellectually adverb