nous
nous — noun
1. the ability to make sensible decisions and take practical action in real-life si
the ability to make sensible decisions and take practical action in real-life situations, relying on experience and instinct rather than formal knowledge.
Feng had the nous to check the tyre pressure before driving across the desert.
have + the + nous + to-infinitive
It takes political nous to know when to stay silent during a negotiation.
typical modifier: political nous
With her sharp business nous, Bao was promoted to regional manager within two years.
Layla showed real nous by bringing an interpreter to the international conference.
The team hired a local guide whose nous helped them find water in the dry mountains.
- common sense
More widely understood; less intellectual and more everyday than 'nous'.
- savvy
Informal, slightly more modern and American-leaning; often used for consumer or digital contexts.
- acumen
More formal and specific, typically applied to business, finance, or politics rather than general life situations.
- foolishness
Direct opposite — acting without good sense.
- naivety
Lack of practical experience or worldly judgment.
用法筆記
Primarily British English, used in informal or conversational contexts. Uncountable — cannot be used as 'a nous' or 'nouses'. Often modified by adjectives such as 'political', 'business', 'basic', or 'sharp'.