Words / B2

JEEN-ee-uh-s/ˈdʒiːniəs/

Genius is exceptional ability, or a person who has it: a genius for + noun; a mathematical genius. Uncountable for the quality; countable for the person. Bright is weaker. Tutors warned against calling every pupil a genius. Mix-up: genus is biology. Do not use it as casual slang in a reference.

Meaning

Exceptional intellectual or creative ability; also a person who has it.

Examples

• “Calling every bright pupil a genius weakens a reference, tutors warned.”
• “She has a genius for pacing a paper, which is the uncountable quality.”

Good to know

a genius for; a literary genius. Quality (uncountable) vs person (countable). Weaker: talent / bright. Formal references: use sparingly.

Near in meaning

talent

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