intellect

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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 knowledgeb : the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
2 : a person with great intellectual powers

See intellect defined for English-language learners

See intellect defined for kids

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 of intellect from the Web

Minton said Palmore's intellect was unmatched and his singular contribution to the law was writing books on jury instructions that are still used by Kentucky lawyers today.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "John S. Palmore, former Ky. chief justice and legal icon, dies at 99", 4 July 2017
After the Iraq War degenerated into a bloody insurgency, George W. Bush was relentlessly attacked over his intellect and leadership skills.

— stephen collinson, CNN, "Delegitimizing his presidency, one tweet at a time", 30 June 2017
The scale of Ai’s work and the scope of his imagination allow for a beautiful, often elegiac, synthesis of his intellect and the aesthetic—

— a.m. homes, Vanities, "Ai Weiwei Believes Americans Still Have to Fight for Democracy", 28 June 2017
The scale of Ai’s work and the scope of his imagination allow for a beautiful, often elegiac, synthesis of his intellect and the aesthetic—

— vanityfair.com, "Ai Weiwei Believes Americans Still Have to Fight for Democracy", 28 June 2017
Those who do have jobs might be stuck in roles like stocking shelves or filing, which spare them human interaction but also don’t utilize their intellect.

— olga khazan, The Atlantic, "The Advantages of Autistic Employees", 28 June 2017
The need to use your intellect to decipher your feelings is squarely within your wheelhouse, and others may call on your emotional intelligence for assistance, too.

— jodie layne, Allure, "What This Week's Horoscope Means for You", 25 June 2017
Eye-catching sculptures dot the county’s landscape — from the harbor to university libraries — and give locals pause to spark their intellect, revive childhood memories, and sometimes just provide a smile.

— laurie delk, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Eye-catching outdoor sculptures around San Diego", 23 June 2017
This guy was off the charts as far as intellect was concerned.

— sam kashner, HWD, "When Michael Crichton Reigned over Pop Culture, from ER to Jurassic Park", 19 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of intellect

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intellectus, from intellegere to understand — more at intelligent

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

INTELLECT Defined for English Language Learners

intellect

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noun

Definition of intellect for English Language Learners

: the ability to think in a logical way
: a very smart person : a person whose intellect is well developed

INTELLECT Defined for Kids

intellect

play

noun in·tel·lect \ˈin-tə-ˌlekt\

Definition of intellect for Students

1 : the ability to think and understand She has a superior intellect.
2 : a person with great powers of thinking and reasoning

Medical Dictionary

intellect

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noun in·tel·lect \ˈint-^əl-ˌekt\

Medical Definition of intellect

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