Pronunciation

/ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl/

Definitions

• Noun: A person possessing a highly developed intellect; a person who uses their mental capacities for abstract reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity, often in academic or artistic pursuits. Example: “She’s an intellectual who has written several books on philosophy.”
• Adjective: Relating to the intellect or intellectual activities, processes, or pursuits; characterized by a high degree of mental activity or intelligence. Example: “Intellectual curiosity drove him to read extensively on various subjects.”

Noun Usage Examples

• “The intellectuals gathered for a symposium to discuss contemporary art movements.”
• “He was an influential intellectual whose work challenged traditional social norms.”

Adjective Usage Examples

• “Her intellectual abilities have earned her numerous accolades in the field of science.”
• “An intellectual discussion on the nature of consciousness took place during the seminar.”

Phrases

• “Intellectual property”: Refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, images, and trademarks used in commerce.
• “Intellectual capital”: The collective knowledge, skills, and experience possessed by individuals and organizations, which can be leveraged for economic gain or competitive advantage.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The university attracts intellectuals from all over the world to its faculty.”
• Adjective: “She possesses an intellectual prowess that sets her apart from her peers.”

Synonyms

• Scholar
• Intellectualist
• Thinker
• Philosopher
• Academic
• Brainiac (informal)
• Genius
• Intellectual capacity (adjective synonym)
• Mentally astute (adjective synonym)
• Rational (adjective synonym)