noun
genius
JEE-nee-uhs
noun
1
A person with exceptional intelligence, talent, or creative ability.
"Einstein is widely regarded as a scientific genius."
"It took a genius to solve the puzzle that fast."
2
Exceptional natural ability or a flash of remarkable insight.
"The design shows real genius in its simplicity."
adj
1
(informal) Extremely clever or brilliant.
"That's a genius idea for reusing the leftover wood."
How to Use Genius
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) showing extraordinary intelligence or brilliance.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a stroke of genius
creative genius
sheer genius
Word Forms
more genius comparative, geniuses plural, genii plural, most genius superlative
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Etymology
From Latin genius ("a person's guardian spirit; innate character"), from gignere ("to beget") — the meaning shifted over centuries from "guiding spirit" to "outstanding natural talent".