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
Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself.
—
David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Infinite Black Inside is one of those introverted electronic records that puts the soul and intellect of its producer at its center, eschewing genre conventions out of emotional necessity.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Infinite Black Inside is one of those introverted electronic records that puts the soul and intellect of its producer at its center, eschewing genre conventions out of emotional necessity.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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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