"genius" Definition

Definitions for the word "genius" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
A good or evil spirit, or demon, supposed by the ancients to preside over a man's destiny in life; a tutelary deity; a supernatural being; a spirit, good or bad. Cf. Jinnee.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The peculiar structure of mind with whoch each individual is endowed by nature; that disposition or aptitude of mind which is peculiar to each man, and which qualifies him for certain kinds of action or special success in any pursuit; special taste, inclination, or disposition; as, a genius for history, for poetry, or painting.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Peculiar character; animating spirit, as of a nation, a religion, a language.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Distinguished mental superiority; uncommon intellectual power; especially, superior power of invention or origination of any kind, or of forming new combinations; as, a man of genius.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A man endowed with uncommon vigor of mind; a man of superior intellectual faculties; as, Shakespeare was a rare genius.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
(pl. Geniuses) 1 a exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability or tendency. B person with this. 2 tutelary spirit of a person, place, etc. 3 person or spirit powerfully influencing a person for good or evil. 4 prevalent feeling or association etc. Of a people or place. [latin]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "genius" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "genius" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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