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

Synonyms of intellect

• genius
• wizard
• brain
• thinker

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

An ace trash talker, Ali took potshots at Frazier’s intellect and cast him as an ally of the white establishment. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Fundamentalists will claim that the moral code that follows from their faith needs no intellect to follow. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

That far down the line, the brand should still represent creativity, beauty, culture, intellect and craftsmanship. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

To a great degree, the forum is an ongoing conversation about how the norms of society constrain the intellect. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for intellect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

Kids 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

intellectual

ˌint-ᵊl-ˈek-ch(ə-w)əl, -ˈeksh-wəl 

adjective

intellectually adverb