Intelligence/intellect

Posted by Henry on July 02, 2004

In Reply to: Intelligence/intellect posted by ESC on July 02, 2004

: : : : : Could you pinpoint the difference between inspite and despite.

: : : : : Intelligence and Intellect.

: : : : I don't think I can. Here's what it says at Merriam-Webster:

: : : : in spite of : in defiance or contempt of : without being prevented by

: : : : Main Entry: 3 despite
: : : : Function: preposition
: : : : : in spite of -- Played despite an injury.

: : : : Main Entry: in.tel.lect
: : : : Pronunciation: 'in-t&l-"ekt
: : : : Function: noun
: : : : Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intellectus, from intellegere to understand -- more at INTELLIGENT
: : : : 1 a : the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge b : the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
: : : : 2 : a person with great intellectual powers

: : : : Main Entry: in.tel.li.gence
: : : : Pronunciation: in-'te-l&-j&n(t)s
: : : : Function: noun
: : : : Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent
: : : : 1 a : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : REASON; also : the skilled use of reason : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests) b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c : mental acuteness : SHREWDNESS
: : : : 2 a : an intelligent entity; especially : ANGEL b : intelligent minds or mind
: : : : 3 : the act of understanding : COMPREHENSION
: : : : 4 a : INFORMATION, NEWS b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information
: : : : 5 : the ability to perform computer functions
: : :
: : : "Inspite" isn't a word.

: : True, but not entirely helpful... "in spite of" - has become less emphatic - 'spite' is a strong word akin to 'viciousness'. to do something 'in spite' or 'out of spite' is petty nastiness. I would not be at all surprised if 'spite' came from 'spit' - to spit at something - to show disdain for. 'in spite of' and 'despite' are virtually identical in usage - and simply say that an action is being undertaken although there are contrary factors.

: It looks to me like "in spite" and "despite" are the same. There's a shade of difference between "intellect" and "intelligence" but I can't quite put my finger on it.

It may not be in the definitions, but in daily usage an intelligent person would have the power to reason, but an intellectual would also have received an education.

• Intelligence/intellect ESC 02/July/04