incisive intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

"incisive intellect" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It refers to a person's far-reaching and penetrating intelligence or understanding. For example, "His incisive intellect was so impressive that he was offered a research position at the university".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

His incisive intellect and wit were a testament to a many-faceted personality.

The New York Times

His incisive intellect, analytic skills and clarity of mind made him a forceful and unrelenting warrior for human rights.

The New York Times

Also (and this is the clincher) Helen, who has the incisive intellect of a marsupial, is fatally attracted to bounders.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cliff was known for his negotiating skills, sense of humor, incisive intellect and photographic memory, which were brought to bear in his representation of clients and his management of Reid & Priest.

The New York Times

Still others, especially readers of some Internet bulletin boards to which Mr. McDermott was a frequent contributor, knew him as man of incisive intellect with considerable knowledge about chemicals and explosives.

The New York Times

Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel $6$KORZENIK--Sidney KORZENIK--Sidney KORZENIK--Sidneyorm Foundation, who guided our early yearS.by providing the gift of his legal advice, profound Wasdom and incisive intellect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At times, her fetishizing of Amir's rugged build and exotic heritage inclines one to sympathy with her disapproving friends, but her sharp intellect rescues this faltering romantic narrative, and she provides an incisive and refreshing comparison of Afghan and Western social mores.

The New Yorker

Sharp intellect, ready wit.

The Guardian - Books

Numerous colleagues have remembered the committed internationalist and critic of globocentrism, noting his capacious intellect, incisive scholarship, and passion for teaching, while still others have mourned the passing of a beloved mentor and friend.

University of Chicago

However incisive George's intellect, however wide-ranging his autodidact knowledge, he remained forever a 9th-grade dropout.

Huffington Post

His incisive, rigorous and original intellect, coupled with a warm personality, left an enduring impression on all who knew him, especially his students and colleagues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incisive intellect" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to deeply and quickly understand complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "incisive intellect" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "intelligence" or "understanding" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incisive intellect" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "incisive" modifies the noun "intellect". This creates a descriptor for a specific quality of intelligence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incisive intellect" is a grammatically sound and uncommon expression used to describe a penetrating and sharp mind. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it is employed to attribute strong analytical skills and deep understanding. Related phrases include "sharp mind" and "penetrating intelligence", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, it's best to reserve "incisive intellect" for situations where you want to highlight exceptional analytical capabilities, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

razor-sharp intellect

Emphasizes the speed and precision of mental processing.

astute intellect

Implies shrewdness and the ability to make insightful judgments.

penetrating intelligence

Emphasizes the ability to see through complexities and understand underlying truths.

perceptive intelligence

Focuses on the ability to gain a deep understanding of things.

acute understanding

Highlights the depth and precision of comprehension.

discerning mind

Emphasizes the capacity to distinguish between subtle differences.

sharp mind

Focuses on the clarity and keenness of thought rather than its depth.

analytical mind

Highlights the ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.

keen perception

Stresses the ability to notice and interpret subtle details.

brilliant mind

Highlights exceptional intellectual capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "incisive intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "incisive intellect" to describe someone's profound understanding or sharp mental acuity. For example, "Her "incisive intellect" allowed her to quickly grasp the nuances of the argument."

What are some alternatives to "incisive intellect"?

Some alternatives include "sharp mind", "penetrating intelligence", or "acute understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "incisive intellect" or "sharp intellect"?

Both phrases are correct, but "incisive intellect" suggests a deeper level of understanding and analytical ability compared to "sharp intellect", which implies quickness and clarity.

What distinguishes "incisive intellect" from "brilliant intellect"?

"Incisive intellect" highlights the ability to deeply analyze and understand complex issues, while "brilliant intellect" generally refers to exceptional intellectual capacity or overall intelligence.