adj
Uncommon
cerebral
SEH-rihb-ruhl
Cerebral (adj) means relating to the brain. Example: “The accident caused a cerebral injury.”
adj
1
Relating to the brain.
"The accident caused a cerebral injury."
2
Appealing to the intellect rather than to emotion; thoughtful and analytical.
"The film is quite cerebral, with long philosophical dialogues."
How to use cerebral
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to the brain, or (of a person, film, book) intellectual and thought-driven rather than emotional.
Common pairings
cerebral cortex
cerebral approach
highly cerebral
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more cerebral
- Superlative
- most cerebral
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The accident caused a _____ injury.
Etymology
From French cérébral, from Latin cerebrum ("brain").
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
