# intellect

/ˈɪnəˌɫɛkt/ (US) · /ˈɪntəlˌɛkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intellect
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the ability to think

noun · CEFR B2

the power of your mind to think, learn, and understand things that are not simple.

For teachers: the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract or academic matters. Uncountable in this sense.

- She used her intellect to solve the complex puzzle that had confused everyone else.
- The philosopher argued that human intellect is what distinguishes our species from other animals, allowing for the creation of complex moral systems.

### 2. a smart person

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who is very intelligent and enjoys thinking about serious or difficult ideas.

For teachers: a person of superior mental ability, typically one who engages in academic or creative pursuits. Countable in this sense.

- The university invited the greatest intellects of the century to speak at the event.
- Though he was a brilliant scientist, he struggled to communicate his findings to those who were not fellow intellects in his field.

## Examples

- She has a sharp intellect and learns new languages very quickly.
- The professor was admired not just for his vast knowledge, but for the sheer power of his intellect.
- While the artist's work was visually stunning, critics argued it lacked the depth of intellect required to truly challenge the audience's preconceptions about modern society.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.