Cerebral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ§
cerebral
[ˈsɛrɪbrəl ]
Definitions
medical
Relating to the brain or the intellect.
Synonyms
brainy, cognitive, intellectual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cerebral |
Used to describe something that requires deep thinking or intellectual effort, often related to academic or philosophical subjects.
|
| brainy |
Informal way to describe someone who is very intelligent or clever, often used in colloquial speech.
|
| intellectual |
Describes someone who engages in serious study and thought, often related to literature, philosophy, or academia.
|
| cognitive |
Relates to mental processes such as thinking, learning, and memory, often used in scientific or medical discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- The patient suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage.
- She has a cerebral approach to problem-solving.
informal
Intellectual rather than emotional or physical.
Synonyms
academic, highbrow, intellectual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cerebral |
This word is often used to describe something very intellectual and complex, focusing on the brain's cognitive functions. It is typically used in contexts involving mental challenges or intellectual pursuits.
|
| intellectual |
This word is broadly used to describe people or activities that involve serious study and thought. It suggests a deep engagement with ideas, theories, or philosophies and can be neutral or positive.
|
| academic |
This term relates to education, schooling, or scholarly activities. It is usually used in contexts involving schools, universities, or formal studies. It can sometimes have a connotation of being removed from 'real-world' applications.
|
| highbrow |
This word often describes something that is intellectually superior and may be perceived as elite or snobbish. It can have a slightly negative connotation, indicating something is overly complicated or pretentious.
|
Examples of usage
- He has a very cerebral sense of humor.
- Her writing style is quite cerebral.
figurative
Involving intelligence or intellect rather than emotions or instinct.
Synonyms
academic, brainy, intellectual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cerebral |
Best used to describe something that requires deep thinking or intellectual effort. Often used in contexts related to discussions, books, or movies that involve complex ideas.
|
| intellectual |
Usually used for people or activities related to deep thinking, studying, and reasoning. It can be applied to pursuits that engage the intellect and suggest a cultured or refined context.
|
| academic |
Appropriate when referring to things related to education, schools, or scholarly activities. Often used to describe environments, achievements, or manners that are scholarly.
|
| brainy |
Informal and usually used to describe a person who is very smart or intelligent. It has a positive, somewhat light-hearted connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The movie was too cerebral for a mainstream audience.
- His speeches were known for their cerebral content.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Cerebral functions encompass areas like memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, which are vital for daily tasks.
- The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, is involved in conscious thought, sensation, and voluntary movement.
- Different regions of the cerebral cortex are specialized; for instance, the frontal lobe governs decision-making and impulse control.
Psychology
- Cognitive development is crucial in childhood; a well-developed cerebral function can lead to better learning outcomes.
- Studies show that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities can enhance cerebral functions, leading to improved memory and analytical skills.
- Emotional and social intelligence also ties back to cerebral functioning, as the brain processes emotions alongside logical reasoning.
Culture
- The term is often used in popular culture to describe characters or individuals who are very intellectual or thoughtful.
- In movies and books, cerebral characters are frequently portrayed as introspective and analytical, often solving complex problems.
- Cerebral art forms, such as certain literary works or films, challenge the audience to think deeply and reflect, highlighting the brain's role in creativity.
Literature
- Many literary works feature cerebral themes, exploring the depth and complexity of human thought and consciousness.
- Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce often used stream-of-consciousness techniques, demonstrating cerebral exploration of characters' minds.
- The term also appears in descriptions of literature that require the reader to engage intellectually, leading to a deeper understanding.
Origin of 'cerebral'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cerebral' comes from the Latin 'cerebralis,' which means 'of the brain.' This shows its direct connection to brain function.
- In Latin, 'cerebrum' means 'brain,' highlighting how language connects our understanding of thinking.
- This term started being used in English in the late 19th century, reflecting growing interest in brain science.
The word 'cerebral' originated from the Latin word 'cerebrum', which means 'brain'. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The term evolved to describe things related to the brain, intellect, or intellectual activities. Over time, 'cerebral' has become commonly used in medical, informal, and figurative contexts to denote intellectual or brain-related concepts.