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
The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.
—
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
The main aim, however, was not to improve the intellect but to live in imitation of Christ.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Luna spends the day in the socially conscious sign of Aquarius, shifting the emotional tone toward intellect, perspective, eccentricity and detachment.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Mesoudi, who was not involved in the new study, agrees that cultural evolution was probably a key to human success while noting that the secret sauce could instead turn out to be social cooperation, language, individual intellect, or some combination of these factors.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
The main aim, however, was not to improve the intellect but to live in imitation of Christ.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Luna spends the day in the socially conscious sign of Aquarius, shifting the emotional tone toward intellect, perspective, eccentricity and detachment.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Mesoudi, who was not involved in the new study, agrees that cultural evolution was probably a key to human success while noting that the secret sauce could instead turn out to be social cooperation, language, individual intellect, or some combination of these factors.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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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