nous etymology

Etymology

The word "nous" is derived from the Greek word "νοῦς" (pronounced "nows"), which means "mind", "intellect", "reason", or "spirit".

Meaning and Origin

In ancient Greek philosophy, "nous" referred to the divine, rational principle that governs the universe. It was associated with the concept of logos, or the word, and was seen as the source of all knowledge and understanding.

Plato believed that the nous was an immortal and unchanging aspect of the soul that resided in the head. Aristotle, on the other hand, held that the nous was an active intellect that allowed humans to think rationally and understand the world.

The concept of nous has been influential in Western philosophy and theology. It is often contrasted with "psyche", which refers to the soul or lower faculties of the mind.

In contemporary usage, the word "nous" can refer to:

• Intellectual capacity or intelligence
• Good sense or common sense
• A state of mental clarity or enlightenment
• A spiritual or divine principle that transcends human reason

nous relate terms

• mind

  Etymology Middle English minde from Old English mynd memory recollection remembran

• head

  Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

• brain

  Etymology The word brain is derived from the Old English word brægen which is cogna

• gamin

  Etymology French gamin Late Latin campanulus little bell ringer Meaning A mi

• intellect

  Etymology Intellect comes from the Latin word intellectus which is derived from the

• polka

  Etymology The word polka is derived from the Czech word půlka which means half

• psyche

  Etymology The word psyche comes from the ancient Greek word ψυχή psukhē mean

• incognito

  Etymology The word incognito originates from the Latin phrase in cognito which means

• cognition

  Etymology Cognition is derived from the Latin word cognoscere meaning to know or to

• bairn

  Etymology Middle English barne Old English bearn Proto Germanic barnaz Proto Indo E