intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈin-tə-ˌlekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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 Coldstream, having uneasily continued to exercise her intellect, was stripped and beaten in her cell. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 People who know Hoeft today describe him much the same way his childhood friends do: quiet and humble, but with a piercing intellect. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 21 Nov. 2023 You get boxed into this position where people who deal with you are making assumptions about your intellect. David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Pay attention to the posture of the intellect—the way your head tilts, the movement of individual fingers, pressing buttons or pointing in particular ways. TIME, 8 Feb. 2024 The rest of the world found out much later in the Tapp case what Will Grigg had known years earlier because of his genius intellect and diligent research. Thomas R Eddlem, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2024 From fellow air signs Libra and Gemini to earth signs like Capricorn, here's everything to know about Aquarius compatibility, according to astrologers Aquarians are full of curiosity, intellect and eccentricity — all of which tend to come out in their relationships. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 21 Jan. 2024 Throughout the film, people in Rob’s life comment on his preternatural intellect and charisma. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024 His record of governance in Florida and his last several debate performances show him as a man who does the homework — reads his briefing books with an open and working intellect. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 12 Jan. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellect was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near intellect

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

intellect

noun
in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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 How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on intellect

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