intellectual Definition
- 1relating to the ability to think and understand ideas and information
- 2involving a person's ability to use their intelligence and knowledge to think about or discuss complicated ideas, problems, or subjects
Using intellectual: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "intellectual" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She has a strong intellectual curiosity.
Example
The book is an intellectual challenge.
Example
He is known for his intellectual pursuits.
Example
The university offers a range of intellectual activities for students.
intellectual Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for intellectual
Antonyms for intellectual
- unintelligent
- anti-intellectual
Idioms Using intellectual
a person with exceptional intellectual ability or knowledge
Example
Albert Einstein is widely regarded as an intellectual giant.
a person with great intellectual power or influence
Example
Noam Chomsky is considered an intellectual heavyweight in the field of linguistics.
an activity or interest that involves using one's intellect to explore or understand a subject
Example
Reading classic literature is one of his favorite intellectual pursuits.
Phrases with intellectual
creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, used in commerce
Example
The company has invested heavily in protecting its intellectual property.
a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills
Example
Children with intellectual disabilities may need extra support in school.
the belief that one's intellect is superior to others, often leading to a disdainful attitude towards those who are perceived as less intelligent
Example
His intellectual snobbery made it difficult for him to connect with people outside his academic circle.
Origins of intellectual
from Latin 'intellectus', meaning 'understanding'
Summary: intellectual in Brief
The term 'intellectual' [ˌɪntəˈlɛktʃuəl] refers to the ability to think and understand ideas and information, often in relation to complicated ideas or subjects. It can be used to describe a person's pursuits, such as 'intellectual property,' or their abilities, such as 'intellectual disability.' The term extends into idioms like 'an intellectual giant,' denoting exceptional intellectual ability, and 'an intellectual pursuit,' referring to activities that involve using one's intellect to explore or understand a subject.