intellection

noun

in·​tel·​lec·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce intellection (audio)
1
: an act of the intellect : thought
2
: exercise of the intellect : reasoning

Examples of intellection in a Sentence

notebooks filled with his intellections on an amazing array of topics ever since Descartes famously declared, “I think, therefore I am,” people have tended to regard acts of conscious intellection as proof of their own existence
Recent Examples on the Web The school board’s legal counsel thought the book could be in conflict with a recent state intellection freedom rule, and recommended it be removed from circulation, according to a spokeswoman. Tcrain, al, 26 Jan. 2023 There is pleasant cohesion to his body of work, with its blend of bookish intellection and breezy verbal humor. The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2021 This is a big spread, in other words, an ambitious platter of intellection and emotion. Dwight Garner, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellection was circa 1526

Dictionary Entries Near intellection

Cite this Entry

“Intellection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellection. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

intellection

noun
in·​tel·​lec·​tion ˌint-ᵊl-ˈek-shən How to pronounce intellection (audio)
1
: exercise of the intellect
2
: a specific act of the intellect : idea

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