Brainy: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.