First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
intellect
noun in·tel·lect \ˈin-tə-ˌlekt\
: the ability to think in a logical way
: a very smart person : a person whose intellect is well developed
Full Definition of INTELLECT
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
See intellect defined for English-language learners
See intellect defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of INTELLECT
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intellectus, from intellegere to understand — more at intelligent
Related to INTELLECT
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with INTELLECT
acrolect, architect, birth defect, circumspect, deselect, dialect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, indirect, in effect, interject, intersect, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, retrospect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect
INTELLECT Defined for Kids
intellect
noun in·tel·lect \ˈin-tə-ˌlekt\
Definition of INTELLECT for Kids
1
: the ability to think and understand <She has a superior intellect.>
2
: a person with great powers of thinking and reasoning
Medical Dictionary
intellect
noun in·tel·lect \ˈint-əl-ˌekt\
Medical Definition of INTELLECT
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
—in·tel·lec·tu·al \ˌint-əl-ˈek-ch(ə-w)əl, -ˈeksh-wəl\ adjective
—in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly adverb
Learn More About INTELLECT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: intellectionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: intelAll Words Near: intellect
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up intellect? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).