Difference Between Genius and Ingenious

Genius vs Ingenious
 

Genius and Ingenious are two words that have to be understood with different senses as there exists a difference between genius and ingenious. Genius and ingenious do not have the same meanings though they are confused as words with the same meanings. Before looking at the difference in usage and meaning of these two words, genius and ingenious, let us get to know more about them. If you take genius, it is a noun and there are times when it is used as an adjective. Ingenious, however, is always used as an adjective. Moreover, ingeniously and ingeniousness are known as derivatives of the word ingenious.

What does Genius mean?

The word genius is a noun as in the following sentence.

George is a genius in Mathematics.

Here, the word genius is used as a noun and it describes the person called George. Any person who has an extraordinary high intelligence rating on a psychological test or an IQ above 140 can be described as a genius. In other words, it can be said that the word genius is used to describe a person who is endowed with an exceptional natural capacity of intellect.

A genius is normally a person who exhibits his skill in creative work related to art, science and music. Observe the expressions ‘the genius of Michael Jackson’ or ‘the genius in him.’ In both the expressions, the word genius indicates the creative talent in the person. Also, the word genius is normally used with reference to human beings.

Now, have a look at the following sentence.

We were able to complete our project because of Robert’s genius plan.

In the sentence given above, you can observe that the word genius is used as an adjective. It describes the noun plan. However, this use of genius as an adjective is done in the informal language.

What does Ingenious mean?

On the other hand, the word ingenious is used as an adjective. It is normally used to describe the quality of skill or novelty found in an invention or a structure. Observe the expression ‘an ingenious machine.’ The novelty employed in the invention of the machine is intended by the usage of the word ingenious in the expression. An apparatus or a system skillful in organizing something is also referred to by the adjective ingenious. Moreover, the word ingenious is normally used with reference to non-living things or objects. It is interesting to note that the word ingenious is derived from the Latin ingeniosus.

What is the difference between Genius and Ingenious?

• First of all, genius is used as a noun as well as an adjective. Ingenious is only used as an adjective.

• The word genius is used to describe a person who is endowed with an exceptional natural capacity of intellect.

• A genius is normally a person who exhibits his skill in creative work related to art, science and music.

• The word ingenious is normally used to describe the quality of skill or novelty found in an invention or a structure.

• One of the most important differences between the two words is that the word genius is normally used with reference to human beings whereas the word ingenious is normally used with reference to non-living things or objects. This is an important difference between the two words to be known by the writers.