intellection

noun

in·​tel·​lec·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈlek-shən 

1

: an act of the intellect : thought

2

: exercise of the intellect : reasoning

Synonyms

• abstraction
• cogitation
• concept
• conception
• idea
• image
• impression
• mind's eye
• notion
• picture
• thought

Examples of intellection in a Sentence

notebooks filled with his intellections on an amazing array of topics

ever since Descartes famously declared, “I think, therefore I am,” people have tended to regard acts of conscious intellection as proof of their own existence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tennant always brought his own intellection to Disco’s throbbing hedonism yet was hedonistic nonetheless, perfecting a musical idiom that his forerunner Noel Coward was too early to enjoy. —Armond White, National Review, 10 May 2024

The school board’s legal counsel thought the book could be in conflict with a recent state intellection freedom rule, and recommended it be removed from circulation, according to a spokeswoman. —Tcrain, al, 26 Jan. 2023

There is pleasant cohesion to his body of work, with its blend of bookish intellection and breezy verbal humor. —The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2021

This is a big spread, in other words, an ambitious platter of intellection and emotion. —Dwight Garner, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1526, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Medical Definition

intellection

noun

in·​tel·​lec·​tion ˌint-ᵊl-ˈek-shən 

1

: exercise of the intellect

2

: a specific act of the intellect : idea