What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intellectually
Example
She is an intellectually curious person who enjoys learning new things. [intellectually: adverb]
Example
The book was intellectually challenging, requiring me to think deeply about the ideas presented. [intellectually: adverb]
cognitively
Example
The child's cognitive development was impressive, as she was able to solve complex problems at a young age. [cognitively: adverb]
Example
The study aimed to investigate the cognitive effects of music on the brain. [cognitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cognitively is more commonly used than intellectually in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between intellectually and cognitively?
Intellectually is more formal than cognitively, which is more commonly used in everyday language and less likely to be used in formal contexts.
