intellect

/ˈɪntəlekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪntəlekt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-tə-ˌlekt/ (ame, mw)

intellect — noun

  • intellectsingular
  • intellectsplural

1. the natural power of the human mind to grasp complex ideas, think logically, and

1.名詞B2
釋義

the natural power of the human mind to grasp complex ideas, think logically, and gain knowledge through careful reasoning

例句

Mei-Lin's sharp intellect made her the top student in every science class she took.

uncountable noun: mental faculty, not a person

The professor was admired for her sharp intellect and clear explanations.

同義詞
  • intelligence

    more everyday term for quick learning and problem-solving; intellect emphasises deep, abstract reasoning

  • reason

    focuses on logical thought processes rather than all mental abilities

  • understanding

    broader term that can include emotional or practical knowledge, not just analytical thinking

反義詞
  • stupidity

    lack of intelligence or the ability to understand

  • ignorance

    lack of knowledge rather than lack of mental capacity

用法筆記

Uncountable when referring to the general mental faculty. To talk about a specific person's mind, use 'the intellect of [person]' rather than 'an intellect'.

常見錯誤

❌She has a very good intellect.
✅She has very good intellectual abilities.' or 'Her intellect is impressive.
💡'intellect' is uncountable in this sense and should not be used with 'a'.

2. a person with a highly developed mind who enjoys and engages deeply in thinking,

2.名詞C1
釋義

a person with a highly developed mind who enjoys and engages deeply in thinking, studying, or creative intellectual work

例句

The conference was attended by some of the finest intellects from around the world.

countable: 'finest intellects' refers to people

Dr. Okafor is a brilliant intellect whose research has saved thousands of lives.

同義詞
  • thinker

    broader term for anyone who thinks deeply, not necessarily a professional intellectual

  • scholar

    specifically someone with academic training and expertise in a field

  • genius

    emphasises exceptional natural ability beyond what most intellects possess

用法筆記

Countable in this sense — you can say 'an intellect' or 'the intellects of the century'. Often appears with modifiers like 'great', 'brilliant', 'finest'. Distinguish from sense 1: here the word refers to a person, not a mental faculty.

常見錯誤

❌Einstein was a man of great intellect.' (This is actually correct, but learners often say 'Einstein had a great intellect' mixing sense 1 and sense 2.)
✅Einstein was one of the greatest intellects of the 20th century.
💡Use the countable form when referring to the person.