Intellection

Full definition of intellection

Noun

1. (uncountable) The mental activity or process of grasping with the intellect; apprehension by the mind; understanding.
• 1993, M. J. Edwards, "A Portrait of Plotinus," The Classical Quarterly, New Series, vol. 43, no. 2, p. 487:The purpose of philosophy is to unite oneself with the objects of the intellect, and even at last with the One that is above all intellection.
2. (countable) A particular act of grasping by means of the intellect.
• 1934, R. V. Feldman, "The Metaphysics of Wonder and Surprise," Philosophy, vol. 9, no. 34, p. 210:Our senses, our instincts, our intellections are all instruments of adaptation.
3. (countable) The mental content of an act of grasping by means of the intellect, as a thought, idea, or conception.
• 1996, Ananya, "Training in Indian Classical Dance: A Case Study," Asian Theatre Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 77:When Banerjee talks about the artist's thinking about the music, she is not referring to an intellection about the mechanics of technique.