Nous is a noun with two closely related but distinct meanings. It can refer to the mind or intellectThe ability to think, reason, and understand things well. in a formal, philosophicalConnected with deep thinking about knowledge, reality, or existence. way, and in everyday English it can mean practicalUseful for real situations rather than only ideas or theory. intelligence or common sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /naʊs/
Easy pronunciation: NOWS (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the single syllable.
Pronounced like 'house' without the h; here it means the mind or intellect.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Nous Meaning
the mind or thinking ability
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The mind or intellect; the part of a person that thinks and reasons.
Example: Her writing shows a sharp nous.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- mind — Fits the intellectual sense well, though it is broader and more common.
- psyche — Can work in this sense, but it often suggests the whole inner self, not just reasoning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Nous
Meaning 2
practical good sense
Part of speech: noun
Definition: Common sense; practical intelligence in dealing with people or situations.
Example: She has great social nous.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Nous Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- mind
- psyche
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse nous with a casual word for the physical brain.
- In modern English, nous usually appears in expressions like 'social nous' to mean practical good sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nous mean in English?
Nous usually means intellect or practical common sense, depending on the context.
Is nous the same as mind?
Sometimes, yes. In formal or philosophical use, nous can mean the mind or the faculty of reason.
What is social nous?
Social nous means good sense in social situations, especially knowing how to behave and deal with people.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-31. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
