intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has a high level of intelligence or mental capacity. For example, "Her quick wit and sharp intellect made her a formidable opponent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a "well-informed source", it "was not her strategy for world peace" that snared Clooney (obviously not – intellect is repulsive in a woman): it was that she "played hard to get".

The Guardian - Opinion

However we diverge politically, I have enough faith in Eastwood's artistry and intellect to trust that he is not a black-and-white ideologue – or, at least, that he knows that the limitations of such a worldview would make for an extremely dull movie.

The Guardian - Opinion

He really is a fine intellect and it's an honour to work with him.

The Guardian

Ryan, meanwhile, has a reputation as a whizz-kid with a fearsome intellect.

The Guardian

Personally, I think we owe it to each other to try to be optimistic – pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will, that sort of thing – about the conviction that the west will muddle its way back to renewed prosperity in the end.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.03pm AEST07:03 Is this George Brandis' intellect a talking point?

The Guardian

Enda Kenny, his successor as Fine Gael leader and the taoiseach said: "His towering intellect, his enthusiasm for life and optimism will be missed by everyone"." He said FitzGerald would have been at the reception for the Queen in Dublin Castle but for his illness.

The Guardian

But as well as intellect and charm, he has a deep understanding of healthcare policies and systems, a grasp of clinical issues which sets him apart from many managers and fine political judgement".

The Guardian

By nature he possessed a considerable intellect and a sharp wit which he demonstrated to the full when he relaxed off-duty.

The Guardian

Brentford's Warburton, a former City financier, would relish sticking two fingers up – metaphorically of course – at a board that has decreed he will be replaced with imported continental intellect willing to conform to a "mathematical modelling" system this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

But the public saw another figure altogether, a new kind of Australian politician, a man of intellect and values.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellect" to denote a developed capacity for abstract thought and reasoning, particularly when discussing academic or professional achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "intellect" simply to indicate the accumulation of facts. "Intellect" implies the ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge, not just possess it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intellect" is as a noun, representing the faculty of reasoning and understanding. Ludwig highlights that it signifies a person's cognitive capabilities, especially their capacity for complex thought and learning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellect" functions as a noun signifying the capacity for reasoning and understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, business, and scientific contexts. While "intellect" is often interchangeable with "intelligence", the former suggests a developed and refined capacity. When using "intellect", focus on highlighting the ability to analyze and apply knowledge, rather than merely possessing information. Its widespread use in authoritative sources, such as The Guardian and The Economist, underscores its relevance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental capacity

Focuses on the inherent ability of the mind to perform intellectual tasks.

cognitive ability

Highlights the mental processes involved in thinking, understanding, and learning.

intellectual prowess

Emphasizes exceptional skill and ability in intellectual pursuits.

mental acuity

Stresses sharpness and quickness of thought.

reasoning ability

Specifically refers to the capacity for logical thought and deduction.

understanding

Highlights comprehension and insight into complex matters.

mental faculty

Refers to a specific cognitive power or ability of the mind.

cognitive function

Focuses on the operational aspect of mental processes.

sharpness of mind

Emphasizes the clarity and speed of thinking.

brilliance

Highlights exceptional intellectual talent and accomplishment.

FAQs

How can I use "intellect" in a sentence?

You can use "intellect" to describe someone's capacity for thinking and reasoning, such as, "Her sharp intellect allowed her to solve complex problems."

What are some alternatives to using "intellect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intelligence", "reason", "understanding", or "cognitive ability".

What is the difference between "intellect" and "intelligence"?

"Intellect" often refers to the developed capacity for reasoning and understanding, while "intelligence" is a broader term encompassing various cognitive abilities. "Intellect" is often viewed as a cultivated form of intelligence.

Is it appropriate to describe a non-human entity as having "intellect"?

While typically used to describe human capabilities, "intellect" can be applied to non-human entities (like AI) if they demonstrate advanced reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Be mindful of anthropomorphism.