What does nous mean?
“Nous” is a philosophical term for the mind regarded as a rational or intellectually active power. It comes from ancient Greek, where it was associated with the capacity to think, understand, and apprehend truth. In philosophical writing, the word distinguishes an active, reasoning principle of the mind from the mind understood merely as a collection of perceptions, emotions, or mental states. It is especially prominent in ancient Greek philosophy and in later philosophical traditions that discuss rational insight. Modern usage is relatively uncommon outside academic, religious, or intellectual discussion, so “mind” or “intellect” will usually sound more natural in general English. The term remains useful when the emphasis is not simply on what someone knows, but on the distinctive human capacity for reason and the search for knowledge.
nounIn philosophy, nous is the faculty of rational or intellectual insight, especially the active, reasoning aspect of the mind. The term comes from ancient Greek and is often used when discussing the mind in relation to reason, perception, or human nature.
- The faculty of rational or intellectual insight; the active, reasoning mind, especially in philosophical discourse.
"The philosopher argued that the nous could apprehend universal truths through disciplined reason."
"In classical philosophy, the nous is treated as an agent of rational thought and knowledge."
"Her essay asks whether artistic imagination belongs to the nous or to the emotions."
The plural is possible but uncommon, reflecting the word's specialized philosophical use.
"The lecture compared different philosophical accounts of the nouses of human beings."
From ancient Greek philosophy, “nous” names the mind as a searching, reasoning power—not simply what we know, but the capacity that seeks to know.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nous come from?
The English word comes from ancient Greek nous, meaning “mind” or “reason.” Greek thinkers used the term in discussions of intellectual activity, rational understanding, and the ordering of thought. The English philosophical borrowing preserves that specialized sense, and related forms such as “noetic” and “noesis” continue to reflect the same Greek intellectual tradition.
Related word forms
How nous is actually used
Chiefly used in philosophical and scholarly writing. In ordinary English, “mind” or “intellect” is usually more natural. The word can suggest an active principle of reason, as in ancient and later philosophical theories of the nous.
Easily confused with nous
“Nous” means the mind or reason in philosophical contexts, whereas “news” means newly reported information or events.