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

England need the nous of their best player if they are to come back from this.

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At their worst, there is nowhere near enough nous to stay in a fight.

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They lack the nous, the game understanding, the mentality to squeeze the life out of a match that should be firmly in their grasp.

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The role calls for experience in creative leadership, a tight grip on editorial issues, knowledge of running a large administration, political nous, experience of commercial affairs, and a grasp of the global media perspective.

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Capsey was furious to throw her wicket away, chipping to mid-off having already been dropped on 28, but it was another stroke of tactical nous from Wolvaardt which put the nail in the coffin.

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