intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈin-tə-ˌlekt 
1
a
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
b
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person with great intellectual powers
Examples of intellect in a Sentence
She is a woman of superior intellect.
She has a sharp intellect.
We were required to read a book every week in order to develop our intellects.
music that appeals to the intellect while still satisfying the emotions
Recent Examples on the Web
Your intellect is flowing as the Gemini moon harmonizes with Mars.
—
USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024
Only one thing did: Marshall was a descendant of slavery, and Black people, no matter their intellect, ambition or academic record, were barred by law from attending the University of Maryland.
—Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024
Accept a challenge and use wit, intellect and speed to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024
The women around me, their work ethic, their independence, their intelligence, their emotional intellect, all of it.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024
Use your intellect and intuition to bring about the changes that affirm your sanity and encourage you to take better care of yourself and what’s important to you.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
A little more aggressive than was necessary, because Oppenheimer would use his intellect rather than his physical presence in these situations.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024
Ensuring your uniquely human intellect and intuition are involved in an operation aided by AI will deliver the best possible outcome.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024
Over the years, Irvin’s dandy became the magazine’s image de marque, embodying both its unwavering intellect and the tongue-in-cheek attitude of many of its contributors.
—Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024
USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024
Only one thing did: Marshall was a descendant of slavery, and Black people, no matter their intellect, ambition or academic record, were barred by law from attending the University of Maryland.
—Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024
Accept a challenge and use wit, intellect and speed to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024
The women around me, their work ethic, their independence, their intelligence, their emotional intellect, all of it.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024
Use your intellect and intuition to bring about the changes that affirm your sanity and encourage you to take better care of yourself and what’s important to you.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
A little more aggressive than was necessary, because Oppenheimer would use his intellect rather than his physical presence in these situations.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024
Ensuring your uniquely human intellect and intuition are involved in an operation aided by AI will deliver the best possible outcome.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024
Over the years, Irvin’s dandy became the magazine’s image de marque, embodying both its unwavering intellect and the tongue-in-cheek attitude of many of its contributors.
—Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt
1
a
: the power of knowing
b
: the capacity for thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person of notable intellect
Medical Definition
intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt
1
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
2
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought
intellectually
adverb
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