Nous meaning

The term nous refers to the intellect or mind in philosophical and psychological contexts.


Nous definitions

Word backwards suon
Part of speech The word "nous" is a noun.
Syllabic division nous: nous
Plural The plural of the word "nous" is "nous." It is a Greek term that is used in English to refer to a person's intellect or mind, and it does not have a separate plural form.
Total letters 4
Vogais (2) o,u
Consonants (2) n,s

The Concept of Nous

Nous is a philosophical term that originates from ancient Greek philosophy. It is often translated as "mind" or "intellect" and refers to a faculty of the human mind that is associated with understanding and rational thought. In philosophical discussions, nous is often contrasted with other mental faculties such as perception, emotion, and imagination.

Aristotelian View of Nous

In the works of Aristotle, nous is considered a critical component of human cognition. Aristotle believed that nous was a kind of intelligence that allowed individuals to comprehend universal truths and engage in abstract reasoning. According to Aristotle, nous does not rely on sensory perception but is a higher intellectual faculty that is capable of grasping higher realities.

Platonic Perspective on Nous

On the other hand, in the philosophy of Plato, nous is associated with a divine or transcendent form of knowledge. Plato believed that nous was the highest form of understanding, allowing individuals to connect with the realm of the Ideas or Forms. For Plato, nous was the source of all legitimate knowledge and wisdom.

Modern Interpretations of Nous

In contemporary philosophy, the concept of nous has been discussed and interpreted in various ways. Some philosophers see nous as a form of intuitive understanding or insight that goes beyond rational thought. Others understand nous as a form of higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. Overall, the concept of nous continues to be a topic of discussion and debate in philosophical circles.


Nous Examples

  1. She showed great nous in solving the problem.
  2. His business nous helped him make wise decisions.
  3. We need to use our nous to come up with a solution.
  4. The team captain's tactical nous led them to victory.
  5. She displayed a lot of nous in managing the project effectively.
  6. His creative nous brought fresh ideas to the table.
  7. The teacher's teaching nous made the subject engaging for students.
  8. He lacked the nous to navigate the complex situation.
  9. The company values employees with strong nous in decision-making.
  10. She needs to rely on her nous to excel in her new role.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 14:59:14