cerebral
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cerebral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to the brain.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cerebral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French cérébral, from Latin cerebrum ("brain").
Full origin of cerebral →Frequently asked questions
What does “cerebral” mean?
The word “cerebral” means relating to the brain. In plain terms, relating to the brain, or (of a person, film, book) intellectual and thought-driven rather than emotional.
How do you pronounce “cerebral”?
“Cerebral” is pronounced SEH-rihb-ruhl (/səˈɹi.bɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cerebral” in a sentence?
Here is “cerebral” used in a sentence: “The accident caused a cerebral injury.”
What part of speech is “cerebral”?
“Cerebral” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cerebral” come from?
The word “cerebral” comes from Latin. From French cérébral, from Latin cerebrum ("brain").
Is “cerebral” a common word?
“Cerebral” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cerebral” have?
“Cerebral” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the brain.
What is the difference between cerebral and intellectual?
Cerebral can describe both a physical relation to the brain and a style that appeals to the mind rather than the emotions, while intellectual usually refers only to matters of the mind and reasoning. A cerebral film, for instance, is one that engages thought and analysis rather than feeling.
When would you call a person cerebral?
You would call a person cerebral when they approach situations analytically and thoughtfully, favoring reasoning over emotional reaction. It suggests a calm, intellectual style rather than a description of raw intelligence alone.
Is cerebral a medical or an everyday term?
Cerebral is used both medically, to describe anything relating to the brain such as a cerebral hemorrhage, and in everyday language to describe thoughtful, analytical qualities in people or works. Context determines which sense applies.