Dictionary
1intellectual
adjective in·tel·lec·tu·al \ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wəl, -chəl, -shwəl, -chü(-ə)l\
: of or relating to the ability to think in a logical way
: involving serious study and thought
of a person : smart and enjoying serious study and thought
Full Definition of INTELLECTUAL
1
2
a : given to study, reflection, and speculation b : engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect <intellectual playwrights>
— in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌlek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun
— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly \-ˈlek-chə-wə-lē, -chə-lē, -shwə-lē, -chü(-ə)-lē\ adverb
— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ness \-ˈlek-chə-wəl-nəs, -chəl-, -shwəl-, -chü(-ə)l-\ noun
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First Known Use of INTELLECTUAL
14th century
Related to INTELLECTUAL
- Synonyms
- blue, cerebral, eggheaded, geeky, highbrow, highbrowed, intellectualist, intellectualistic, long-haired (or longhair), nerdish, nerdy
- Antonyms
- anti-intellectual, lowbrow, nonintellectual, philistine
Other Psychology Terms
2intellectual
noun
: a smart person who enjoys serious study and thought : an intellectual person
Full Definition of INTELLECTUAL
1
plural archaic : intellectual powers
2
: an intellectual person
See intellectual defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INTELLECTUAL
1615
Related to INTELLECTUAL
- Synonyms
- double-dome, egghead, geek, highbrow, intellectualist, longhair, nerd
- Antonyms
- anti-intellectual, lowbrow, philistine
INTELLECTUAL Defined for Kids
1intellectual
adjective in·tel·lec·tu·al \ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wəl\
Definition of INTELLECTUAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to thought or understanding <intellectual development>
2
: interested in serious study and thought <an intellectual person>
3
: requiring study and thought <an intellectual challenge>
— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly \-wə-lē\ adverb
2intellectual
noun
Definition of INTELLECTUAL for Kids
: a person who takes pleasure in serious study and thought
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