WordGarden.iointellect
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪntəlˌɛkt/
US
- /ˈɪnəˌlɛkt/
Meanings
Noun
the ability to think, reason, and understand
a person known for great intelligence or learning
Beyond the definition
Intellect isn't just about knowing a lot of things; it's the power of the mind to understand, reason, and learn. Think of a detective working through a difficult case, or an artist shaping a deep and meaningful idea. That kind of careful thought comes from intellect. It is what turns a quick reaction into a considered response. A person with a strong intellect may not know every fact, but they can grasp new ideas, connect them, and form clear opinions.
Intellect refers to the power or faculty of reasoning, understanding, and learning. It's more than just possessing knowledge; it's about how you use that knowledge—your ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make judgments. While often used interchangeably with "intelligence," intellect leans towards the capacity for higher-level thinking, abstract thought, and creative problem-solving.
Historically, "intellect" was deeply connected to philosophical discussions about the mind and soul. Thinkers like Aristotle explored the nature of intellect as a key part of human existence. Today, we still use it to describe a person's mental power. You might say, "She has a brilliant intellect," to praise her sharp and thoughtful mind.
Having intellect does not necessarily mean being an academic or sounding formal. It simply means having a strong and active mind. A skilled carpenter, for example, might show remarkable intellect through the ability to design and build complex structures. In the same way, a scientist, teacher, writer, or mechanic may all show intellect when they think deeply, solve problems well, and understand difficult ideas.
So, while intelligence can be measured by tests, intellect is about the dynamic power of your mind—its capacity to explore, understand, and create. It's the engine that drives innovation, discovery, and progress.
Examples
- 1
Quick learning
She has a quick intellect and learns new systems in days.
- 2
Job skills
The job requires patience as well as intellect.
- 3
Literary appeal
His novels appeal to the intellect, but they also have warmth and humor.
- Phraseappeal to the intellect
interest people because they make them think
- 4
Debate style
In the debate, she relied on intellect rather than emotion.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Formal praise
The professor was known as a woman of great intellect, but she spoke in simple language.
- 6
Formal person
The country lost one of its finest intellects when the scientist died.
- Usagean intellect
a very intelligent person, especially in formal writing
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- sharp intellect
- powerful intellect
- appeal to the intellect
Word family
Explore
- cognition
- critical thinking
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- intellectnoun
Forms
- intellectspluralnoun