nous

[ noos, nous ]

noun

1. Greek Philosophy. mind or intellect.
2. Philosophy. (in Neoplatonism ) 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

Sean Dyche's side have got the nous and are streetwise, while Southampton are viewed by many as being naive and playing fantasy football, with their style of play under Russell Martin.

From BBC

But they have beaten Chelsea and have enough nous and knowledge in their team to keep their good run going.

From BBC

He scored an unbelievable goal but I thought his tactical nous, and his understanding of defending when his side were a player down, was excellent.

From BBC

While Arsenal were still solid without Rice at the heart of their midfield, they did miss Odegaard's creative nous and calmness on the ball.

From BBC

But his experience and nous told in the tie-break, playing with a touch more aggression to bring up four set points and pressure Vasa into a double fault on the third.

From BBC