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Intellect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intellect

[หˆษชn.tษ™.lekt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human qualities

The ability to think and understand information, especially complex ideas. It involves the capacity for logic, reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Synonyms

brainpower, intelligence, mind, wisdom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intellect

Used to describe someone's ability to think in a logical or analytical way, often in an academic or high-level intellectual context.

  • Her intellect is evident in her exceptional problem-solving skills
  • He is known for his sharp intellect and profound insights into philosophy
intelligence

Broad term often used to refer to the overall ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge and skills. Common in both academic and everyday contexts.

  • Her intelligence makes her a promising candidate for the research position
  • The robot's artificial intelligence can recognize and respond to human emotions
mind

Refers to the mental faculties of perception, thought, imagination, and judgment. Frequently used in common conversation.

  • His mind is always thinking of new ideas
  • Meditation helps in calming the mind
brainpower

Generally used in casual or informal settings to denote the mental capacity or cognitive ability required for a particular task.

  • We need more brainpower to solve this complex problem
  • This puzzle requires serious brainpower to crack
wisdom

Describes the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; often implies maturity and insight.

  • His wisdom has guided the company through difficult times
  • She is admired for her wisdom and kindness

Examples of usage

  • Her intellect allowed her to solve the puzzle in no time.
  • His intellect was admired by everyone in the academic community.
Context #2 | Noun

academic field

The study of the mind and mental processes, including how people think, learn, and remember. It encompasses various disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science.

Synonyms

cognition, intellectual capacity, mental capacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intellect

Describes someoneโ€™s mental ability to think and understand complex ideas.

  • His sharp intellect made him the best candidate for the debate team.
  • The book requires a considerable intellect to fully understand.
cognition

Refers to the process of thinking, perceiving, and understanding knowledge.

  • The study focuses on how caffeine affects cognition.
  • Cognition in children can be observed through their learning patterns.
mental capacity

Describes someone's overall mental ability, including memory, comprehension, problem-solving, etc.

  • After the accident, his mental capacity was significantly diminished.
  • She has a strong mental capacity for handling stress at work.
intellectual capacity

Indicates the level of someone's ability to think and understand things.

  • Despite his young age, his intellectual capacity is remarkable.
  • The job requires significant intellectual capacity.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to pursue a career in intellect and cognitive psychology.
  • The conference focused on the latest research in intellect and behavior.
Context #3 | Noun

formal use

A person's mental powers collectively, often used in a formal or literary context. It implies high intelligence and mental acuity.

Synonyms

cerebrum, intellectual prowess, mind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intellect

This is used to describe a person's ability to think and understand things, especially on a complex and abstract level.

  • Her intellect is truly remarkable; she solves the hardest problems with ease
mind

A general term that refers to the element of a person that enables them to be aware, think, and feel. It's suitable for everyday use and not necessarily indicating high-level intellect.

  • You need a clear mind to solve this puzzle
intellectual prowess

This phrase highlights a person's great skill or expertise in intellectual activities. It is often used to praise someone's mental abilities.

  • His intellectual prowess made him stand out among his peers
cerebrum

This term is more scientific and is best used in medical or biological contexts when talking about the brain.

  • The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action

Examples of usage

  • His intellect was unmatched in the field of theoretical physics.
  • The novel portrayed a character with exceptional intellect and wit.

Translations

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

Origin of 'intellect'

The word 'intellect' originated from the Latin word 'intellectus', meaning 'understanding' or 'comprehension'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. Throughout history, the concept of intellect has been central to philosophical debates about the nature of human cognition and consciousness.

See also: intellection, intellectual, intellectually, intellectuals, intelligible.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,143 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.