intellect

noun

in·tel·lect | \ ˈin-tə-ˌlekt

Definition of intellect

1a : 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

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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

His basketball intellect, for me, is one that’s been the most impressive of our players. — Noah Trister, The Seattle Times, "Griffin enjoying resurgence a year after trade to Pistons," 19 Feb. 2019 Editor Gerald Fischman, friends said, was a shy but gifted writer who expressed his brilliant intellect through his editorials. — Michael Kunzelman, BostonGlobe.com, "Newsroom shooting victims remembered Sunday," 9 July 2018 Locke’s 1925 anthology, The New Negro, functioned as a celebration of his era in black art, intellect, and society. — Constance Grady, Vox, "We read all 25 National Book Award finalists for 2018. Here’s what we thought.," 15 Nov. 2018 Library holdings have helped reassure me that values associated with reason, intellect and art really do tend to survive dark ages of various kinds. — John Glassie, New York Times, "Codices, Termites and Floral Notes: The Wondrous Life of ‘The Library’," 1 June 2018 By appointing McCabe in 2016, Comey was seen as valuing intellect and management over experience in making cases. — Adam Goldman And Matt Apuzzo, BostonGlobe.com, "FBI’s deputy director steps down under pressure," 29 Jan. 2018 Feed her intellect with books or subscriptions that resonate. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "Home Gift Ideas for Every Star Sign," 27 Nov. 2018 Everyone who has the slightest intellect and knowledge of the economy knows this. — New York Times, "Turkey’s Economy Is So Hot That It May Face a Meltdown," 10 July 2018 Is there a question whether or not Justice McDonald has the intellect to be the chief justice? — Sandra Gomez-aceves, courant.com, "Senate Debates Controversial Andrew McDonald Nomination Before Vote," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intellect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.