noun
nous
NOUSS/naʊs/
The faculty of thought and understanding.
The practical thinker uses nous to plug the leaking bucket with a cork.
Etymology
Greek nous named the mind or faculty of intelligence. English extended this philosophical term to everyday cleverness and practical judgment; the Greek word’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
It gets tempting at that point to use your economic nous to manipulate the rules of the global political economy in your own favor.
Some of the design nous now is to pre-sling loads. … We don't have someone up on the back of a high load
More examples
- She relies on her nous to work through difficult problems.
- His business nous helps him spot a bad deal.
- The essay explores the relationship between nous and sensory experience.
Forms
nous
Similar words
- intellect
- Emphasizes the capacity for reasoning and understanding complex ideas.
- intelligence
- Covers the broader ability to learn, reason, and solve problems.
- judgment
- Focuses on making sound decisions rather than thinking generally.