Word
intellectual
Meanings
A person who devotes a lot of time to studying, thinking, and discussing ideas, especially in culture or academia.
Related to thinking, understanding, and ideas rather than emotions or physical activity.
Too focused on ideas and theory, sometimes in a way that seems detached from practical realities.
Definition
An intellectual is a person who engages deeply with ideas, learning, and critical discussion.
An intellectual is someone known for serious thinking, study, and interest in complex ideas, often in academic or cultural life. The word can also describe activities or debates that focus on abstract reasoning rather than practical tasks. It often suggests a reflective, analytical approach to problems. Depending on context, it can be neutral or slightly critical.
Examples
- She built a reputation as an intellectual who could make difficult theories accessible.
- I find the lecture intellectually demanding, but the intellectual challenge keeps me engaged.
- They dismissed his proposal as intellectual posturing because it ignored basic logistical constraints.
- You can disagree with her politics and still respect her as an intellectual.
- He wanted an intellectual conversation after dinner, not small talk about the weather.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse intellectual (related to ideas or a thinker) with intelligent (smart or quick to learn).
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