noun
Uncommon
nous
nows
Nous (noun) means Practical common sense; the ability to think and act sensibly. Example: “He had the nous to check the weather before setting off up the mountain.”
noun
1
Practical common sense; the ability to think and act sensibly.
"He had the nous to check the weather before setting off up the mountain."
"It doesn't take much nous to see the deal was too good to be true."
How to use nous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStreet smarts or good judgement — knowing what to do in practical situations.
When to use it
Mainly British and informal; rare in American English.
Common pairings
common nous
have the nous to
business nous
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He had the _____ to check the weather before setting off up the mountain.
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek nous, meaning "mind" or "intellect."
Related words
Rhymes for nous
See all rhymes for 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.
