intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈin-tə-ˌlekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At this level, leadership requires more than intellect or technical competence. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The competition blends the intensity of a horror film with the pressure of a reality show survival game, confronting the contestants’ fears, skill and intellect in various scenarios. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 6 Sep. 2025 Swift’s moment-by-moment choices play on both the listener’s ear and intellect. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 His daughter mirrored his parvenue of a wife, a woman beneath him not in station but rather in intellect, someone easily affected and prone to childlike ideas. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intellect

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellect was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

intellect

noun
in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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 How to pronounce intellect (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on intellect

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