Intellectual

Definition

Relating to the intellect or its use; a person possessing a highly developed intellect.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈlɛktʃuəl/
• Respelling: in-tuh-LEK-choo-uhl (with "in" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," "LEK" as in "check," "choo" as in "choose," and "uhl" as in "full")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈlɛktʃuəl/
• Respelling: in-tuh-LEK-chuh-uhl (with "in" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," "LEK" as in "check," "chuh" as in "church," and "uhl" as in "full")

In both dialects, "intellectual" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "LEK." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-tuh-LEK-choo-uhl" (American) and "in-tuh-LEK-chuh-uhl" (British).

Etymology

From Latin intellectus, meaning "understanding", which is derived from intellegere, meaning "to understand", from inter- meaning "between" + legere meaning "choose, pick out, read".

Derivatives

• Intellectualism (noun)
• Intellectualize (verb)
• Intellectuality (noun)
• Intellectually (adverb)
• Intellectualist (noun)

Synonyms

• Cerebral
• Thinker
• Academic

Antonyms

• Ignorant
• Unthinking
• Illiterate

Usage

"Intellectual" is used in various contexts, including academia, literature, and everyday language, to describe individuals or activities related to the use of the intellect.

Related Terms

• Knowledge
• Reasoning
• Scholar
• Brainpower
• Intellect

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Intellectual (Adjective, General): Relating to the intellect or its use.
  • Example: "She has an intellectual curiosity that drives her to learn new things."

• Intellectual (Adjective, Activities): Involving serious study and thought.
  • Example: "The university offers a stimulating intellectual environment."

Noun

• Intellectual (Noun): A person who uses their intellect and engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection.
  • Example: "Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century."

Note: "Intellectual" can refer to both the nature of something (being of the intellect) and a person who is notably brainy or scholarly.