nous

nous

noun

Definition of NOUS

1

\ˈnüs also ˈnau̇s\ : mind, reason: as a : an intelligent purposive principle of the world b : the divine reason regarded in Neoplatonism as the first emanation of God

2

\ˈnau̇s\ chiefly British : common sense, alertness

Examples of NOUS

1. <an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous>

Origin of NOUS

Greek noos, nous mind

First Known Use: 1678

Related to NOUS

Synonyms: discreetness, discretion, gumption [chiefly dialect], horse sense, levelheadedness, common sense [chiefly British], policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit

Antonyms: imprudence, indiscretion

Related Words: street smarts; farsightedness, forehandedness, foresight, foresightedness, forethoughtfulness, judgment (or judgement); brains, gray matter, intelligence; logicality, logicalness, practicality, rationality, rationalness; discernment, discrimination, insight, sagacity, sapience; acumen, astuteness, clearheadedness, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, shrewdness; care, caution, circumspection, precaution, premeditation

Near Antonyms: shortsightedness; brainlessness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, senselessness, stupidity; carelessness, heedlessness; unreasonableness

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Rhymes with NOUS

crouse, crus, cruse, deuce, douce, goose, juice, loose, moose, mousse, noose, puce, rhus, ruse, Russ, schuss, Seuss, sluice, spruce, truce, use, Zeus