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

• 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

Batman, who relied not on superpowers but on his own intellect, was the thinking-man’s superhero. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 July 2025

Peaceful nuclear energy and the manufacturing of missiles are the results of indigenous knowledge, intellect, and science, and thus they cannot be destroyed. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Success doesn’t just depend on the talent and intellect of this group working in concert. —Dr. Eric George, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

How does President Trump — who unabashedly likens himself to Napoleon — compare in stature, intellect and commendable achievements? —W.e. Gutman, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025

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