breadth of intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breadth of intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or range of someone's intellectual capabilities or knowledge. Example: "Her breadth of intellect allows her to engage in discussions on a variety of complex topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their depth of passion and breadth of intellect challenged all I had been taught of the so-called Third World.

Huffington Post

He had no leavening wit, no humor, no breadth of intellect, no sparkle of conversation, to attract those who disagreed with him politically.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What redeemed Clinton was not his personality but the breadth of his intellect; he had a carefully considered position on everything, a transformative vision.

The New Yorker

In computer science circles, Mr. Cocke was renowned for the breadth of his intellect, his energy, his insights and his unconventional working methods.

The New York Times

He was a lecturer, writer, scholar, organist, broadcaster, teacher, pianist, conductor, editor and enthusiast, the sheer breadth of his intellect making him an inspirational guide for generations of aspiring musicians.

Independent

He was a very diversified man, but only a few really knew the breadth of his intellect," Graham said.

Los Angeles Times

Her work presumes a shared breadth and depth of intellect from the reader as well as a common singularity of purpose.

The Guardian - Books

He was a man of fixed principle and astonishing breadth of artistry and intellect.

The Guardian

Known for his breadth of experience and intellect in engineering, Steven worked on varied complex projects throughout his career, ranging from aerospace, military defense, petroleum refinery plant design, desalination technology, and manufacturing design.

Los Angeles Times

Medill's Tribune endorsed Lincoln in February 1860, describing him as "a man of, at once, great breadth and great acuteness of intellect … never garrulous, never promising what he cannot perform, never doing anything for show or effect, laboriously attentive to detail, industrious and conscientious".

Los Angeles Times

We remember with affection his insight, formidable intellect, breadth of knowledge and wit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breadth of intellect" to positively highlight someone's wide-ranging knowledge and understanding, especially when discussing achievements or qualifications.

Common error

Avoid using "breadth of intellect" hyperbolically; ensure the context genuinely reflects extensive knowledge and understanding rather than merely superficial awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth of intellect" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a person's extensive intellectual capacity or the range of their understanding. Ludwig shows it often appears when praising someone's intellectual abilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breadth of intellect" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone's wide-ranging intellectual capacity. According to Ludwig, it's often found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, emphasizing the versatility and scope of an individual's understanding. While not extremely common, the phrase is valued for its ability to positively highlight intellectual capabilities. Alternatives such as "range of intellect" or "scope of understanding" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

range of intellect

Emphasizes the scope and variety of intellectual capabilities.

scope of understanding

Highlights the extent to which someone comprehends various subjects.

depth and width of knowledge

Combines both the thoroughness and range of one's knowledge.

intellectual capacity

Focuses on the potential and ability of one's intellect.

cognitive range

Refers to the spectrum of cognitive abilities and functions.

intellectual reach

Highlights the extent to which someone can grasp and understand complex ideas.

comprehensive understanding

Emphasizes a complete and thorough grasp of a subject.

extensive knowledge

Focuses on the vastness and detail of one's knowledge base.

wide-ranging intellect

Highlights the diverse areas of intellectual engagement and proficiency.

vast intellectual landscape

Uses a metaphorical landscape to describe the expansive nature of one's intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "breadth of intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "breadth of intellect" to describe someone who has a wide range of knowledge and understanding in various subjects. For example, "Her "breadth of intellect" allowed her to excel in multiple fields."

What are some alternatives to "breadth of intellect"?

Alternatives include "range of intellect", "scope of understanding", or "intellectual capacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "breadth of intellect" formal or informal?

"Breadth of intellect" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

How does "breadth of intellect" differ from "depth of knowledge"?

"Breadth of intellect" refers to the range and variety of intellectual interests and knowledge, while "depth of knowledge" refers to the thoroughness and detail of understanding in a specific area. You can have "breadth of intellect" without necessarily having exceptional depth in any one area.