B2noun1K

Genius

UK /["/ˈdʒiːniəs/"]/US /["/ˈdʒiːniəs/"]/

Definition

unusually great intelligence, skill or artistic ability

In simple words: a very smart person

Examples

  • Albert Einstein is often called a genius for his groundbreaking contributions to physics.
  • She showed her genius by solving the complex mathematical problem in minutes.
  • The artist is considered a genius because of her innovative painting techniques.
  • The company's genius lies in its ability to adapt quickly to market changes.
  • In mythology, a genius was believed to be a guardian spirit of a place or person.
  • Many inventions attributed to human genius might have been inspired by natural processes.

Usage notes

Used to describe someone with exceptional intellectual ability. Appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid when downplaying someone’s abilities or in sarcastic remarks.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think 'genius sounds like genius of the crowd' — imagine a crowd cheering for a very smart person.

Collocations

  • great
  • pure
  • real
  • flash
  • spark
  • stroke
  • have
  • show
  • lie in something
  • of genius
  • genius for
  • great
  • natural
  • eccentric
  • great
  • pure
  • real
  • flash
  • spark
  • stroke
  • have
  • show
  • lie in something
  • of genius
  • genius for

Synonyms

  • intellect
  • prodigy
  • whiz
  • brainiac
  • talent

Antonyms

  • fool
  • simpleton

Common mistakes

  • Incorrectly used as a verb (e.g., saying 'to genius' instead of 'to produce genius')
  • Confusing with 'genius' and 'genius-like,' treating both as adjectives
  • Using 'genius' without an article (e.g., saying 'Genius is in the room' instead of 'A genius is in the room')