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
According to a recent study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, human intellect has declined since 2012.
—
Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Customer-facing interactions require human intuition to navigate sensitive moments where empathy, sensitivity and emotional intellect truly matter.
—Joel Frenette, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
His vision, intellect and generosity shaped not only an iconic company, but also the lives of so many of us who had the privilege to know him.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Armed with a genius-level intellect, Michael became Mister Terrific after his wife died in a car accident.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Customer-facing interactions require human intuition to navigate sensitive moments where empathy, sensitivity and emotional intellect truly matter.
—Joel Frenette, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
His vision, intellect and generosity shaped not only an iconic company, but also the lives of so many of us who had the privilege to know him.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Armed with a genius-level intellect, Michael became Mister Terrific after his wife died in a car accident.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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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