The mind or intellect, reason, both rational and emotional
"The old philosopher believed that true wisdom required balancing our nous between cold logic and warm empathy."
In plain English: Nous is an old-fashioned word for human intelligence and common sense.
"The old map lacked any sense of direction to help us find our way home."
Usage: This term is primarily used in formal writing to denote collective intelligence rather than individual thought. Avoid using it casually when referring simply to "the brain" or personal memory.
The word nous was borrowed directly into English from the Ancient Greek noun noûs. Originally meaning "mind," it entered our language to describe mental faculties and intellectual power.