Distinguishing Genius from Ingenious

Genius vs Ingenious

Genius and Ingenious are two words that need to be understood with different senses as there is a difference between them. Although they are often confused as having the same meanings, they do not. Genius can be used as a noun or sometimes as an adjective, while Ingenious is always used as an adjective. Additionally, ingeniously and ingeniousness are derivatives of the word ingenious.

What does Genius mean?

The word genius is primarily used as a noun, as in the following sentence:
“George is a genius in Mathematics.”
In this example, the word genius is used as a noun to describe George. A person with an extraordinarily high intelligence rating on a psychological test or an IQ above 140 can be described as a genius. In other words, the word genius is used to describe someone with an exceptional natural capacity for intellect.

A genius is usually someone who demonstrates skill in creative work related to art, science, and music. For example, the expressions ‘the genius of Michael Jackson’ or ‘the genius in him’ both use the word genius to indicate the creative talent in a person. The word genius is typically used in reference to human beings.

In some cases, the word genius can be used as an adjective, as in the following sentence:
“We were able to complete our project because of Robert’s genius plan.”
In this example, the word genius is used as an adjective to describe the noun plan. However, this use of genius as an adjective is done in informal language.

What does Ingenious mean?

Conversely, the word ingenious is used only as an adjective. It is typically used to describe the quality of skill or novelty found in an invention or a structure. For example, the expression ‘an ingenious machine’ uses the word ingenious to indicate the novelty employed in the invention of the machine. An apparatus or a system skillful in organizing something is also referred to by the adjective ingenious. Additionally, the word ingenious is generally used in reference to non-living things or objects. The word ingenious is derived from the Latin ingeniosus.

Key Takeaways

• Genius is used as a noun or sometimes an adjective, while Ingenious is always used as an adjective.
• Genius is used to describe a person with an exceptional natural capacity for intellect, usually in creative work related to art, science, and music.
• Ingenious is used to describe the quality of skill or novelty found in an invention or a structure, typically in reference to non-living things or objects.