Intellectual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wəl/ in·tel·lec·tu·al

Meaning & Definition of Intellectual

Intellectual (adjective)

  1. of or relating to the intellect or its use
  2. developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience, rational
  3. requiring use of the intellect

Intellectual (noun)

  1. an intellectual person
  2. intellectual powers

Intellectual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. much given to learning and thinking

    "as the daughter of college professors, she's used to being around intellectual people"

  2. of or relating to the mind

    "intellectual pursuits such as reading and studying"

    opposite: nonmental
  3. of or relating to schooling or learning especially at an advanced level

    "research that shows that people from very intellectual backgrounds are happiest with spouses having comparable educations"

Intellectual (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person with strong intellectual interests

    "discovered that in politics a reputation for being an intellectual was regarded as a liability"

Related Entry: Anti-intellectual (noun)

Anti-intellectual is a different word from Intellectual. The synonyms below are for anti-intellectual, not for intellectual.

  1. as in philistine, lowbrow

Related Entry: Anti-intellectual (adjective)

Anti-intellectual is a different word from Intellectual. The synonyms below are for anti-intellectual, not for intellectual.

  1. as in lowbrow, philistine

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Intellectual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Intellectual:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Intellectual

Words with the opposite meaning of Intellectual:

Near Antonyms of Intellectual

Word Forms of Intellectual

Derived words: intellectuality (noun), intellectually (adverb), intellectualness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Intellectual

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Intellectual

Words & Phrases Containing Intellectual

Frequently Asked Questions about Intellectual

What does "Intellectual" mean?

"Intellectual" means of or relating to the intellect or its use. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of or relating to the intellect or its use. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Intellectual"?

Other words for "Intellectual" include blue, cerebral, eggheaded, geeky, highbrow, highbrowed, intellectualist and intellectualistic. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Intellectual" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Intellectual"?

There are 85 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Intellectual". Common alternatives include blue, cerebral, eggheaded, geeky, highbrow, highbrowed, intellectualist, intellectualistic, long-haired and nerdish.

What is the opposite of "Intellectual"?

Antonyms of "Intellectual" include anti-intellectual, lowbrow, nonintellectual, philistine, nonmental, nonacademic, noneducational and unacademic. Near antonyms include uncultivated, uncultured, ignorant and illiterate.

How do you use "Intellectual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Intellectual" in a sentence: "as the daughter of college professors, she's used to being around intellectual people"; "intellectual pursuits such as reading and studying"; "research that shows that people from very intellectual backgrounds are happiest with spouses having comparable educations".

Is "Intellectual" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Intellectual" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Intellectual" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Intellectual" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Intellectual"?

"Intellectual" is pronounced /ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wəl/ and divided into syllables as in·tel·lec·tu·al.