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

While Lee’s characters occasionally can feel more like vehicles for debate and provocation than authentic people, there’s a probing intellect and energy to his writing that helps ignite the best moments of this world-premiere work. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, "11 things to do this weekend in San Diego: Bayside Summer Nights, Switchfoot Bro-Am, ‘Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego’," 28 June 2019 Use your skills, intellect and charm to get your way. — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, "Horoscopes: June 8, 2019," 8 June 2019 This time Geoffrey Elton combined an unequaled grasp of the voluminous archives of the period with a powerful intellect, a trenchant prose style, and supreme self-confidence. — Keith Thomas, The New York Review of Books, "The Power Broker," 17 Jan. 2019 But when Payne-Townshend squares her shoulders, Shaw must marshal every ounce of his intellect to answer her challenges. — Daryl H. Miller, latimes.com, "The 99-Seat Beat: Celebrate Women's History Month with L.A.'s theaters," 23 Mar. 2018 But Stephenson foresees no arid desert of sterile intellect, only an extension of the human heart, in a touching final image. — Paul Di Filippo, Dallas News, "In Neal Stephenson's 'Fall,' there is life after death," 18 June 2019 If there has ever been a historical moment apt to foster optimism of the intellect, right now would not appear to be it. — Lidija Haas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 10 June 2019 The College Board’s new purpose, apparently, is to reduce students’ whole identities—not just their intellects—to numbers. — Annie Abrams, The New Republic, "The College Board Hopes to Profit from “Adversity”," 6 June 2019 Consider how ideas passed down from your parents shape your intellect. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What June's Taurus Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 29 May 2019

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.