Intellection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intellection

[ˌɪnˈtɛlɛkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cognitive process

The action or process of thinking; the exercise of the intellect or mind.

Synonyms

cognition, reasoning, thinking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intellection	Formal or academic discussions about deep or philosophical thinking are the best situations for this word. It's not commonly used in everyday conversation. The intellection required for this philosophical debate is astounding
thinking	This is a very general term for the process of thoughts and can be used in everyday conversation. It is versatile and applies to most contexts where the process of considering or reflecting on something is involved. I've been thinking about changing my major
reasoning	When referring to the process of evaluating and making decisions based on logic and rationale, 'reasoning' is appropriate. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. Her reasoning was sound, and it convinced everyone in the room
cognition	This word is often used in scientific and psychological contexts to describe the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. Cognition studies have shown how our brains process information differently as we age

Examples of usage

The intellection involved in solving complex mathematical problems is truly remarkable.
Her intellection on the subject of philosophy is highly regarded by her peers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

intellectual activity

The act or process of understanding; the use of the intellect in a creative or analytical way.

Synonyms

intellectual activity, mental activity, thought process.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intellection	Used in academic or intellectual discussions to describe the action or process of using the mind to think and understand ideas and concepts. Her intellection was evident in the detailed analysis she provided The philosopher's intellections have shaped modern thought
intellectual activity	Refers to activities that involve deep thinking, reasoning, or acquiring knowledge, typically used in academic, educational, or professional environments. Reading scientific journals is a form of intellectual activity Engaging in intellectual activities like debates can expand your understanding of complex subjects
mental activity	Describes any activity requiring mental effort, ranging from simple problem-solving to complex decision-making. It is a more general term and can be used in everyday conversation. Solving puzzles is a great mental activity After a long day of mental activity at work, he likes to relax with a book
thought process	Often used to describe the logical sequence of thoughts involved in reasoning, problem-solving, or making decisions. Can be used in both professional and personal contexts. Understanding your thought process can help improve your problem-solving skills She explained her thought process behind the decision to relocate

Examples of usage

His intellection of the novel's themes added depth to his literary analysis.
Intellection plays a key role in the process of problem-solving.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers like Descartes emphasized the importance of intellection as a way to discern truth.
In Plato's works, he contrasted higher forms of knowing through intellect versus lower empirical understanding.
Intellection plays a key role in debates about consciousness and the nature of human thought.

Psychology

Cognitive psychology explores how intellection is shaped by our experiences and environment.
Understanding and reflection are seen as vital parts of cognitive development in children.
Recent studies suggest that engaging in deep thinking can enhance problem-solving abilities.

Literature

Writers often use characters' intellection to demonstrate their growth and understanding.
In modern literature, the internal monologue is a popular way to convey a character's deep thinking.
Classical works frequently explore themes of knowledge and understanding, showcasing different aspects of intellection.

Education

Critical thinking is a key goal in education, encouraging students to develop their intellection skills.
Discussion and debate in classrooms promote deeper understanding of complex subjects.
Teaching methods that focus on inquiry-based learning help students engage in their own processes of intellection.

Origin of 'intellection'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin 'intellegere', meaning 'to understand'.
In the 16th century, the word began to be used in English to describe mental processes.
It has roots in ancient philosophy, where thinkers studied how we know and understand the world.

The word 'intellection' originated from the Latin word 'intellectio', which means 'understanding' or 'perception'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to refer to the act of thinking or understanding. Over time, 'intellection' has come to be associated with cognitive processes and intellectual activities.