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genius

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒiːnɪəs/
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Definition of genius

noun (plural geniuses)

  • 1 [mass noun] exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability:she was a teacher of genius [in singular]:that woman has a genius for organization
  • 2an exceptionally intelligent person or one with exceptional skill in a particular area of activity:a mathematical genius
  • 3 (plural genii /ˈdʒiːnɪʌɪ/) (in some mythologies) a spirit associated with a particular person, place, or institution.
  • a person regarded as exerting a powerful influence over another for good or evil:he sees Adams as the man’s evil genius
  • 4the prevailing character or spirit of something:Boucher’s paintings did not suit the austere genius of neoclassicism

adjective

informal
  • very clever or ingenious:a genius idea this book was absolutely genius in parts

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin, 'attendant spirit present from one's birth, innate ability or inclination', from the root of gignere 'beget'. The original sense 'spirit attendant on a person' gave rise to a sense 'a person's characteristic disposition' (late 16th century), which led to a sense 'a person's natural ability', and finally 'exceptional natural ability' (mid 17th century)

Spelling help

Remember that genius ends with -ius.

genius in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of genius in the US English dictionary

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