intellect

in-tel-lect · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract matters; the mind.

  2. 2.

    A person of high intellectual abilities; a great thinker.

  3. 3.

    The collective mental abilities of a person.

Forms

plural: intellects

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    superior intellect — exceptionally high intelligence
  • •
    the life of the intellect — intellectual pursuits and activities

Related words

Antonyms: emotion, instinct
See also: intellectual, intelligence, mind
Synonyms: intelligence, mind, reason

Etymology

From Latin intellectus ("perception, understanding"), from intelligere ("to understand"), from inter- ("between") + legere ("to choose, read"). Entered English through Old French in the 14th century.