intellectual

[ˌɪntəˈlɛktʃuəl]

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

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.

How do native speakers use this expression?