nous
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for nous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Practical common sense; the ability to think and act sensibly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use nous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
common nous
have the nous to
business nous
Mainly British and informal; rare in American English.
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek nous, meaning "mind" or "intellect."
Full origin of nous →Frequently asked questions
What does “nous” mean?
The word “nous” means practical common sense; the ability to think and act sensibly. In plain terms, street smarts or good judgement — knowing what to do in practical situations.
How do you pronounce “nous”?
“Nous” is pronounced nows (/nuːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nous” in a sentence?
Here is “nous” used in a sentence: “He had the nous to check the weather before setting off up the mountain.”
What part of speech is “nous”?
“Nous” is a noun.
Where does the word “nous” come from?
The word “nous” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed from Ancient Greek nous, meaning "mind" or "intellect.".
Is “nous” a common word?
“Nous” is an uncommon word in modern English.
