Intellectual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intellectual

[ˌɪn.t̬əˈlek.tʃu.əl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

academic achievement

Relating to the ability to think in a logical way and understand things, especially difficult or complicated ideas

Synonyms

academic, cerebral, cognitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intellectual	Repeated in the list, but in different contexts, could be considered an error or redundancy. See previous examples for 'intellectual'
cerebral	Used to describe something that involves deep thinking, intelligence, or intellectual activities. Often used in arts, literature, and studies where thought-provoking content is central. The movie was a cerebral thriller that kept the audience thinking long after it ended
cognitive	Refers to mental processes such as thinking, memory, learning, and understanding. Often used in the context of psychology, neurology, and studies related to the brain and its functions. The study examined the cognitive development of children over five years
academic	Typically refers to anything related to education, schools, colleges, or scholarly activities. Can also describe someone working in or related to a scholarly environment, especially in higher education. He has an impressive academic record, having graduated with honors from Harvard

Examples of usage

She's a very intellectual person, always reading books on philosophy and science
His intellectual capacity allowed him to grasp complex concepts easily

^{Context #2 | Noun}

education

A person who uses the mind creatively

Synonyms

academic, scholar, thinker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intellectual	Use when describing someone who engages in critical thinking, possesses a high level of knowledge, or is interested in ideas and theories. Can sometimes imply a focus on thinking over practical skills. She is an intellectual who loves to read philosophy and science books. As an intellectual, he often participates in debates about social issues.
thinker	Describes someone who is known for their ability to think deeply and reflectively, often on philosophical or abstract topics. Generally has a positive connotation. As a thinker, he spends a lot of time contemplating the mysteries of the universe. The essay reflects the insights of a great thinker.
scholar	Refers specifically to someone who has significant knowledge in a particular area of study, often linked to formal research and education. She is a respected scholar in the field of ancient history. The book was written by a scholar with decades of experience in medieval studies.
academic	Best suited for describing someone involved in education or scholarly activities, often within a formal institution like a university. He has spent his entire career in the academic world, teaching literature at a renowned university. The academic conference was attended by scholars from around the globe.

Examples of usage

He is a true intellectual, always seeking knowledge and asking questions
Intellectuals often challenge societal norms and provoke critical thinking

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'intellectual'

The term 'intellectual' originated in the late 19th century from the Latin word 'intellectus', meaning understanding. It was first used to describe someone who engages in critical thinking and uses their mind creatively. Over time, intellectuals have been associated with academia, philosophy, and challenging societal norms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,272, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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