nous

[noos, nous]

noun

1. Greek Philosophy.,  mind or intellect.

2. Philosophy.,  (inNeoplatonism ) the first and purest emanation of the One, regarded as the self-contemplating order of the universe.

nous

/ naʊs /

noun

1. metaphysics mind or reason, esp when regarded as the principle governing all things

2. slang,  common sense; intelligence

Word History and Origins

Origin of nous¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Greek noûs, contracted variant of nóos “mind”

Word History and Origins

Origin of nous¹

C17: from Greek, literally: mind

Example Sentences

And that experience and nous will be needed to deal with some of the feistiest fans in American sport and home players desperate to regain the trophy.

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She hit the ground running and added a creative nous and cutting edge to an already strong frontline.

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With his experience as a trade commissioner, an impressive spider's web of contacts, and respected political nous, Mandelson was soon determined to be an excellent potential fit.

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"They have also got the nous. They are brilliantly led by Sam Billings."

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The neat dovetailing of Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones – a centre partnership that combines power, pace and nous – will have been particularly pleasing.

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