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nous

noun

Definition of nous

1 play \ˈnüs also ˈnau̇s\ :mind, reason: such as
a :an intelligent purposive principle of the world
b :the divine reason regarded in Neoplatonism as the first emanation of God
2 play \ˈnau̇s\ chiefly British :common sense, alertness

See nous defined for English-language learners

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Examples of nous in a Sentence

  1. an Oxford don who was long on erudition but a little short on everyday nous

Recent Examples of nous from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nous

Greek noos, nous mind

nous Synonyms

Synonyms
discreetness, discretion, gumption [chiefly dialect], horse sense, levelheadedness, common sense [chiefly British], policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit
Antonyms
imprudence, indiscretion
Related Words
street smarts; farsightedness, forehandedness, foresight, foresightedness, forethoughtfulness, judgment (or judgement); brains, gray matter, intelligence; logicality, logicalness, practicality, rationality, rationalness; discernment, discrimination, insight, sagacity, sapience; acumen, astuteness, clearheadedness, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, shrewdness; care, caution, circumspection, precaution, premeditation
Near Antonyms
shortsightedness; brainlessness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, senselessness, stupidity; carelessness, heedlessness; unreasonableness

NOUS Defined for English Language Learners

nous

noun

Definition of nous for English Language Learners

  • : the intelligence and ability to make good judgments and decisions

Learn More about nous

  1. See words that rhyme with nous Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nous Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nous

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Examples: nous in a Sentence