Brainy: meaning, definitions and examples

🧠

Add to dictionary

brainy

[ˈbreɪni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

intelligence

Having or showing intelligence, mental capacity, or intellectual capacity. Brainy individuals are often quick learners and excel in academic settings.

Synonyms

bright, clever, intelligent, smart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brainy	Used to describe someone who is very intelligent and academically inclined. Often implies a high level of book smarts or scholarly abilities. She's the brainy one in the family, always reading and studying. He joined the brainy kids' club at school.
intelligent	A more formal and general term for someone who has a high level of cognitive ability. Can be used in many different contexts ranging from academic to practical situations. He's an intelligent person who excels in many fields. The research was conducted by some of the most intelligent minds in the field.
smart	A versatile term that can refer to someone who is both intelligent and good at making quick, effective decisions. Often used in both academic and everyday contexts. She's really smart; she always knows the right thing to say. He made a smart investment that paid off well.
clever	Refers to someone who is quick-witted and skilled at using their intelligence in practical, sometimes crafty ways. Can occasionally have a slightly negative connotation, implying slyness. She came up with a clever plan to save money. That was a clever answer to a tricky question.
bright	Describes someone who is quick to learn and understands things easily. Often used for both academic and non-academic situations. She's a bright student and always gets top grades. He's very bright and can solve problems quickly.

Examples of usage

She is known for her brainy approach to problem-solving.
The brainy student scored the highest on the exam.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Having a large or well-developed brain. Brainy can also refer to someone who appears to have a high intelligence level based on physical characteristics.

Synonyms

big-brained, high-brow, intellectual-looking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brainy	This is an informal term used to describe someone who is very intelligent or good at thinking. It is often used in casual conversations. Tim is really brainy; he got perfect scores on all his exams. You don’t need to be super brainy to solve this puzzle.
big-brained	Used informally, often humorously or sarcastically, to describe someone with impressive intelligence. It can imply a certain admiration but is typically light-hearted. Look at you, big-brained genius, already finishing the project! Only a big-brained person like Alice could come up with such an innovative solution.
intellectual-looking	Used to describe someone who appears to be intelligent, often based on their appearance, fashion, or demeanor. This term focuses more on the impression given rather than actual intellect. With his glasses and stack of books, John has a very intellectual-looking vibe. She always dresses in an intellectual-looking manner, which makes her seem very smart.
high-brow	This term is often used to describe someone who is very cultured or has sophisticated tastes, especially in the arts or literature. It can sometimes have a slightly snobbish connotation. The magazine is too high-brow for my taste; I prefer more casual reading. Attending the opera is considered a high-brow activity.

Examples of usage

The scientist had a brainy appearance with his large forehead.
The brainy look of the professor gave the impression of great knowledge.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'brainy' came from 'brain,' which has Old English roots related to the organ responsible for thought.
It entered common use in the early 20th century, bringing a playful connotation to intelligence.

Psychology

Studies show that engaging in brain-stimulating activities, like puzzles and reading, can enhance brainy traits.
Emotional intelligence is also a key part of being brainy, linking smart thinking with understanding feelings.

Pop Culture

Brainy characters are common in movies and books, like Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, who uses her intelligence to solve problems.
The term is often used in humorous contexts, such as 'brainy nerds' being portrayed as socially awkward yet brilliant.

Science

The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, showcasing its remarkable capacity for processing information and learning.
Research indicates that genetics and environment both significantly contribute to intelligent behaviors.

Education

Gifted programs in schools often aim to nurture brainy students by offering advanced curricula and challenges.
Successful brainy skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving, are increasingly emphasized in today’s education systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "brainy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inteligente

🇮🇳 बुद्धिमान

🇩🇪 intelligent

🇮🇩 cerdas

🇺🇦 розумний

🇵🇱 inteligentny

🇯🇵 賢い

🇫🇷 intelligent

🇪🇸 inteligente

🇹🇷 zeki

🇰🇷 똑똑한

🇸🇦 ذكي

🇨🇿 chytrý

🇸🇰 chytrý

🇨🇳 聪明

🇸🇮 pameten

🇮🇸 klár

🇰🇿 ақылды

🇬🇪 გონიერი

🇦🇿 ağıllı

🇲🇽 inteligente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,747 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33744 schemer
33745 inflexibly
33746 toothy
33747 brainy
33748 flipper
33749 hogging
33750 felicitations
...