'intellect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intellectus,' where 'inter-' meant 'between' and 'legere' meant 'to read or choose.'

'intellectus' transformed into the Old French word 'intellect,' and eventually became the modern English word 'intellect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'understanding or perception,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the faculty of reasoning and understanding.'