Intellectual: meaning, definitions and examples

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intellectual

[ ˌɪn.t̬əˈlek.tʃu.əl ]

^{Context #1}

academic achievement

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

Synonyms

academic, cerebral, cognitive

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}

education

A person who uses the mind creatively

Synonyms

academic, scholar, thinker

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "intellectual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intelectual

🇮🇳 बौद्धिक

🇩🇪 intellektuell

🇮🇩 intelektual

🇺🇦 інтелектуальний

🇵🇱 intelektualny

🇯🇵 知的

🇫🇷 intellectuel

🇪🇸 intelectual

🇹🇷 entelektüel

🇰🇷 지적인

🇸🇦 ذَكِيّ

🇨🇿 intelektuální

🇸🇰 intelektuálny

🇨🇳 知识分子

🇸🇮 intelektualen

🇮🇸 vitsmunalegur

🇰🇿 интеллектуал

🇬🇪 ინტელექტუალური

🇦🇿 intellektual

🇲🇽 intelectual

Word origin

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.