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Brainiac Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brainiac

[หˆbreษชniรฆk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

smart person

A brainiac refers to a highly intelligent or clever individual, often with a deep knowledge in various subjects.

Synonyms

genius, intellectual, savant.

Examples of usage

  • She's a real brainiac when it comes to physics.
  • The math team captain is a total brainiac.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In addition to comic books, 'brainiac' has appeared in various movies and TV shows, often portraying the quintessential genius.
  • The TV show 'Brainiac: Science Abuse' showcased fun science experiments, engaging viewers with learning in an entertaining way.

Psychology

  • People often associate the term with individuals who display high IQ levels, particularly in fields like mathematics or science.
  • Studies suggest that while intelligence can be innate, curiosity and the drive to learn contribute significantly to becoming a true brainiac.

Literature

  • Genius characters in literature often embody the brainiac stereotype, such as Sherlock Holmes, who uses unmatched deduction skills.
  • These characters are frequently portrayed as socially awkward, showcasing the stereotype that brilliance often comes with eccentricity.

Education

  • Many educational programs encourage students to embrace their 'brainiac' traits by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • The rise of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education reflects societyโ€™s value on 'brainiac' qualities in nurturing future innovators.

Origin of 'brainiac'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'brainiac' originated in the 1960s from comic books, particularly the character Brainiac in Superman stories.
  • It combines 'brain,' referring to intelligence, and the suffix '-iac,' which indicates someone obsessive about a particular quality.

The term 'brainiac' originated in the early 1980s and is a blend of the words 'brain' and 'maniac'. It gained popularity in colloquial language to describe someone exceptionally intelligent or knowledgeable.

See also: brain, braincase, brainpan, brainpower, brains, brainstorm, brainstorming, brainteaser, brainwash, brainwashing, brainwave, brainworm, brainy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,199, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.