Highbrow: meaning, definitions and examples

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highbrow

[ˈhaɪbraʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

culture

Intellectual or sophisticated in a way that is perceived as highbrow.

Synonyms

cultured, intellectual, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
highbrow	Used to describe people, activities, or interests that are sophisticated, intellectual, and often associated with the arts or academics. Can sometimes imply elitism. He prefers highbrow literature over thriller novels. The event attracted a highbrow crowd, discussing abstract art and philosophy.
intellectual	Refers to someone who engages in or enjoys activities that require deep thinking and knowledge, particularly in academic or philosophical discussions. Neutral to positive connotation. They had an intellectual debate about the merits of existentialism. She is known for her intellectual contributions to the field of physics.
sophisticated	Describes someone or something that is advanced, stylish, and has a refined sense of culture and social grace. Positive connotation. He has a sophisticated taste in fashion. The party was filled with sophisticated guests from various artistic fields.
cultured	Describes someone who is well-educated and appreciates the arts, literature, and music. Positive and implies refinement and good taste. She is a cultured woman who loves classical music and fine art. He has a very cultured taste in wine and food.

Examples of usage

She always preferred highbrow literature over popular fiction.
Attending an opera is considered a highbrow activity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who is highly intellectual or cultured.

Synonyms

culture vulture, intellectual, sophisticate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
highbrow	Used to describe someone who is interested in or appreciates serious art, literature, music, and other forms of culture, often with an implication of being elitist or pretentious. She only attends highbrow film festivals and art exhibitions. His taste in books is very highbrow, preferring classical literature over popular novels.
intellectual	Describes someone who engages in critical thinking, research, and contemplation about society, culture, and other intellectual matters. This term can be neutral or positive based on the context. He enjoys intellectual debates about philosophy and science. The conference attracted many intellectuals to discuss global issues.
sophisticate	Used for a person who has a lot of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion, culture, and the arts. It generally has a positive connotation. She is considered a sophisticate, always knowing the latest trends in art and fashion. His taste in wine and art marks him as a true sophisticate.
culture vulture	Refers to someone who is very interested in culture and the arts. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying an overzealous or obsessive interest. As a real culture vulture, she spends every weekend at museums and theaters. You can always find him at the latest art gallery opening; he's a true culture vulture.

Examples of usage

Many highbrows attend the annual literary festival.
He is known to be a highbrow in the art world.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'highbrow' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'high' from the idea of elevated thinking and 'brow' referring to the forehead.
It was initially used to describe people with a higher forehead, which was thought to indicate intelligence.
The usage was popularized in the realm of art and literature, often in a subtly mocking manner.

Pop Culture

Highbrow media often contrasts with 'lowbrow' entertainment, which includes more mainstream or populist forms like reality TV.
Certain films and literature are classified as highbrow due to their complex themes, character development, and nuanced storytelling.
Prominent examples of highbrow works include classic novels by authors such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, which require careful reading.

Psychology

People often associate highbrow interests with increased cognitive abilities, suggesting a link between intellectual engagement and mental exercise.
Studies have shown that individuals who engage in highbrow activities may have different tastes in socialization compared to those who prefer more casual forms of entertainment.
The concept plays a role in social class perception, where highbrow interests might be seen as a marker of cultural capital.

Literature

Highbrow literature often explores complex themes like existentialism or postmodernism, appealing to a thoughtful audience.
There’s a certain pride associated with being a highbrow consumer of culture, sometimes creating an elitist divide among readers and viewers.
Many literary critics differentiate highbrow books from popular genres, often praising the depth and artistic merit of the former.

Art

Highbrow art includes styles such as abstract and conceptual art, often requiring a scholarly background to fully appreciate.
Art institutions like the Museum of Modern Art emphasize highbrow works while cultivating audiences through lectures and academic workshops.
The term 'highbrow' became a way to categorize art and culture, reflecting social attitudes towards educational status in art appreciation.

Translations

Translations of the word "highbrow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intelectual

🇮🇳 बौद्धिक

🇩🇪 intellektuell

🇮🇩 intelektual

🇺🇦 інтелектуал

🇵🇱 intelektualista

🇯🇵 インテリ

🇫🇷 intellectuel

🇪🇸 intelectual

🇹🇷 entelektüel

🇰🇷 지식인

🇸🇦 مثقف

🇨🇿 intelektuál

🇸🇰 intelektuál

🇨🇳 知识分子

🇸🇮 intelektualec

🇮🇸 menntamaður

🇰🇿 интеллектуал

🇬🇪 ინტელექტუალი

🇦🇿 intellektual

🇲🇽 intelectual

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,854 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30851 juxtaposing
30852 amok
30853 nonsectarian
30854 highbrow
30855 joule
30856 conned
30857 newt
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