While they may appreciate physical beauty, they are more strongly attracted to how someone thinks, speaks, and analyzes the world.

Some critiques note it is sometimes used to reject partners in a way that feels arrogant, rather than simply as a description of sexual preference. Commonality and Context What It Means +16 Ways To Turn On A Sapiosexual

There is ongoing debate over whether sapiosexuality is a distinct sexual orientation or a specific preference/fetish. How to Recognize or Attract a Sapiosexual

The attraction is not limited to academic achievement, high IQ, or degrees. It often includes creativity, wit, humor, emotional intelligence, and passionate, in-depth discussions on specialized topics.

They are attracted to people who are knowledgeable and speak vigorously about their interests (e.g., science, literature, philosophy).

The term can be viewed as exclusionary, elitist, or condescending if used to imply that only certain people possess "valuable" intelligence.

For a sapiosexual, a sharp mind is the primary source of sexual arousal, meaning they may feel little to no attraction until a mental connection is established.