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
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
The event, now in its 27th year and held at the Kennedy Center, toasted Maher’s intellect, his broad range of interests, interviewing finesse and loyalty to his audience among other features.
—
Paul Harris,
Variety,
29 June 2026
But to imply that the presence of racists in works of fiction makes those works of fiction racist is to short-circuit the intellect and the imagination at one fell swoop.
—
Spin Team,
SPIN,
22 June 2026
Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself.
—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.
—
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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Paul Harris,
Variety,
29 June 2026
But to imply that the presence of racists in works of fiction makes those works of fiction racist is to short-circuit the intellect and the imagination at one fell swoop.
—
Spin Team,
SPIN,
22 June 2026
Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself.
—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.
—
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
intellectually
adverb
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