nous

American  

[noos, nous] / nus, naʊs /

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.

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nous British  

/ naʊs /

noun

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

2. slang common sense; intelligence

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Etymology

Origin of nous

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

Example Sentences

Political nous is the most important box to tick, Toms said, because CEO Elhedery—previously the bank’s chief financial officer—is seen more as a numbers whiz.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC