genius
/ˈdʒiːniəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒiːniəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjēn-yəs ˈjē-nē-əs/ (ame, mw)
genius — noun
- geniussingular
- geniusesplural
1. a level of natural intelligence, creativity, or ability that is far above what i
a level of natural intelligence, creativity, or ability that is far above what is usual, particularly in areas such as music, art, or science. The word can also describe someone who possesses such an outstanding quality.
Einstein's genius lay in his ability to see connections that others missed.
uncountable: possessive + genius refers to the quality
At just fourteen years old, Sayaka was already regarded as a musical genius.
countable: a genius — a person with exceptional ability
Hamza's solution to the engineering problem showed real genius.
Noor's chess genius was so remarkable that her coach doubted she had only started playing at age fourteen.
The mathematician was regarded as a genius by everyone who studied her work.
- brilliance
focuses more on intellectual brightness and sharpness than broad creative power
- talent
a natural ability that can be developed; less extreme than genius
- prodigy
specifically a young person with exceptional ability, while genius applies at any age
- mediocrity
the state of being average or ordinary
文法句型
genius (uncountable) — quality
a genius (countable) — person
用法筆記
When used uncountably ('she has genius'), it describes the quality itself. When countable ('she is a genius'), it refers to a person. The uncountable form is typically modified by an adjective or possessive: 'musical genius', 'his genius'.
常見錯誤
2. someone who strongly shapes the way other people think or behave, typically — bu
someone who strongly shapes the way other people think or behave, typically — but not exclusively — in a harmful or controlling manner.
The dictator's evil genius lay in manipulating his people's deepest fears.
pattern: evil / dark / twisted genius — describing harmful influence
Rachid was the criminal gang's organizing genius, always staying in the shadows.
Historians describe that advisor as the dark genius behind the king's cruel policies.
In the movie, the villain is a twisted genius whose plan nearly destroys the city.
- mastermind
emphasizes the planning and coordination role; more neutral than genius
- puppeteer
metaphorical, stressing secret control over others; always negative
文法句型
the (adjective) genius behind + noun
a genius for (negative) + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a negative adjective ('evil', 'dark', 'twisted') to emphasize harmful influence. The phrase 'the genius behind X' means the mastermind who planned or controlled X.
常見錯誤
3. a remarkable natural ability to do a specific activity or type of task particula
a remarkable natural ability to do a specific activity or type of task particularly well, almost as if it comes instinctively.
Linh has a genius for making even the most complicated topics easy to understand.
pattern: have a genius for + gerund
William has a genius for bringing calm to every tense meeting at work.
His genius for storytelling turned every family dinner into a memorable event.
Talia's genius for languages meant she could pick up basic phrases within days.
文法句型
have a genius for + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Always used in the pattern 'have a genius for + noun/gerund' (never 'have genius for' without the article). The activity is usually social, creative, or interpersonal rather than academic.
常見錯誤
genius — adjective
- geniuspositive
- more geniuscomparative
- most geniussuperlative
1. extremely clever, original, or inventive; showing outstanding intelligence or cr
extremely clever, original, or inventive; showing outstanding intelligence or creativity — used especially of ideas, plans, or actions.
It was a genius idea to turn the old warehouse into a community theatre.
collocation: genius idea / genius plan / genius move
Elena came up with a genius plan that solved the company's budget problems overnight.
Her genius performance in the film earned praise from critics around the world.
What a genius move — inviting both teams to share the same hotel during the tournament.
文法句型
genius + noun
用法筆記
This adjective use is informal and most commonly appears before nouns describing ideas, decisions, or creative works ('a genius idea', 'a genius plan'). In formal writing, 'brilliant' or 'ingenious' are often preferred.