superior intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superior intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a higher level of intelligence or cognitive ability compared to others. Example: "The scientist was often regarded as a leader in her field, known for her superior intellect and groundbreaking research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We will miss her superior intellect.

The New York Times

Both exhibited a superior intellect and a vigorous personal life.

The New York Times

"She was an amazing dog: superior intellect, incredibly beautiful, obedient, a phenomenal temperament," he said.

The New York Times

Yankees justify themselves on the basis of superior intellect and sophistication.

The New Yorker

Well, perhaps not humble as in "I grovel before your superior intellect".

Independent

Your correspondent looks forward to the day when such a superior intellect can do his thinking for him.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Surrounded by such superior intellects, she sometimes wondered what she would grow up to be.

The Guardian

(The minority that Mill was most concerned to protect was the "superior intellects and characters," who he feared would be swamped as more citizens got the vote).

The New Yorker

He also argued that the Incarnation was not dependent on the fact that man had sinned, that will is superior to intellect and love to knowledge, and that the essence of heaven consists in beatific love rather than the vision of God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Show us your superior nerd intellect.

Huffington Post

"If there is a way of guaranteeing that superior artificial intellects will never harm human beings, then such intellects will be created," he argued.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "superior intellect" when you want to emphasize a marked advantage in intelligence or cognitive ability over others. It's particularly effective when discussing exceptional individuals or characters.

Common error

Avoid using "superior intellect" in contexts where the difference in intelligence is marginal or unproven. Overusing the phrase can sound arrogant or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

Adjective and Noun Phrase: "Superior intellect" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'superior' modifies 'intellect'. It serves to characterize someone or something as possessing a significantly higher level of intelligence. Ludwig confirms its valid usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "superior intellect" is a valid and frequently used term to describe an exceptional level of intelligence, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, it serves to highlight individuals or entities possessing significantly advanced cognitive abilities. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use it judiciously to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "high intelligence" or "exceptional mind" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Ludwig's examples showcase the versatility of this phrase across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive superiority

Directly asserts a higher level of cognitive function compared to others, similar to the original phrase.

high intelligence

Focuses on the general level of intelligence, rather than implying superiority.

exceptional mind

Highlights the mental capacity as being beyond the norm, focusing on the mind itself.

remarkable cognitive ability

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of intelligence, suggesting a notable capability in mental processes.

brilliant mind

Highlights the quality of being exceptionally clever or talented.

acute intelligence

Stresses the sharpness and perceptiveness of the intellect.

gifted intellect

Indicates an inherent talent or natural ability for intellectual pursuits.

profound understanding

Focuses on the depth and comprehensiveness of knowledge and insight.

intellectual prowess

Highlights skill and expertise in intellectual activities.

advanced reasoning skills

Emphasizes the capacity for logical thought and inference.

FAQs

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

You can use "superior intellect" to describe someone or something possessing advanced cognitive abilities. For example, "The detective's superior intellect allowed him to solve the complex case."

What are some alternatives to "superior intellect"?

Alternatives include "high intelligence", "exceptional mind", or "remarkable cognitive ability", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "superior intellect" in formal writing?

Yes, "superior intellect" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing notable intellectual capabilities. However, ensure the context justifies the strong assertion of superiority.

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

"Superior intellect" implies a comparative advantage in intelligence over others, while "high intelligence" simply indicates a high level of cognitive ability without necessarily implying superiority.