nous
C1Formal / literary. Common in UK English, rare in US English.
Definition
Meaning
Common sense, practical intelligence, or good judgement.
In philosophical contexts, the term refers to the intellect or mind, particularly the faculty of intuitive apprehension or rational understanding, as derived from its Greek origins.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has a dual life: 1) In everyday UK English, it is a colloquial term for practical intelligence. 2) In academic/philosophical discourse, it retains its classical Greek meaning of 'mind', 'intellect', or 'intuitive reason'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Commonly used and understood in UK English (though still somewhat literary). Extremely rare in general American English and likely to be unknown outside academic/philosophical contexts.
Connotations
UK: Often carries a positive, slightly old-fashioned or approving connotation for shrewdness. US: Primarily a technical philosophical term with no colloquial usage.
Frequency
High frequency in UK philosophical/academic writing; low-to-medium in UK general prose; negligible in US general language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + have/display/show + nous[Subject] + lack + nousthe nous + to-infinitive (e.g., the nous to succeed)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Use your nous!”
- “She hasn't got the nous to see it.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Valued trait, e.g., 'He has the business nous to spot a good investment.'
Academic
Technical term in philosophy, especially Aristotelian and Hellenistic philosophy.
Everyday
UK: Used to praise practical problem-solving, e.g., 'It took a bit of nous to fix that.'
Technical
Primarily in philosophy, denoting the faculty of intellect or intuitive reason.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He hasn't got the nous to manage a team.
- Her political nous helped her navigate the complex negotiations successfully.
- The project required technical skill and a good deal of practical nous.
- Aristotle distinguished between nous (intuitive reason) and dianoia (discursive thought).
- The entrepreneur's commercial nous turned the fledgling company into a market leader.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'NOUS' sounds like 'NOW'S' the time to use your COMMON SENSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS A TOOL (e.g., 'use your nous').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'нос' (nose).
- The philosophical meaning is close to 'ум' or 'интеллект'.
- The everyday UK meaning is close to 'смекалка' or 'здравый смысл'.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /nuːs/ (like 'moose').
- Using it in general American English where it is not understood.
- Confusing its philosophical and colloquial meanings.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'nous' most commonly used in contemporary UK English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in general American English. Americans are more likely to use 'smarts', 'savvy', or 'common sense'. In the US, 'nous' is primarily a technical term in philosophy.
It comes directly from Ancient Greek 'νοῦς' (noûs), meaning 'mind', 'intellect', or 'faculty of reason'. It entered English via philosophy.
No, in standard English, 'nous' is only a noun. You cannot 'nous something' or have a 'nous idea'.
No, it is generally an uncountable noun. You have 'nous' or 'some nous', not 'a nous'. However, you can say 'a bit of nous' or 'the nous'.