intellectualism

noun in·tel·lec·tu·al·ism \ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm, -chə-ˌli-, -shwə-ˌli-, -chü(-ə)-ˌli-\

Definition of INTELLECTUALISM

: devotion to the exercise of intellect or to intellectual pursuits

— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

— in·tel·lec·tu·al·is·tic \-ˌlek-chə-wə-ˈlis-tik, -chə-ˈlis-, -shwə-ˈlis-, -chü(-ə)-ˈlis-\ adjective

1800

Next Word in the Dictionary: intellectualizePrevious Word in the Dictionary: intellectual historyAll Words Near: intellectualism

What made you want to look up intellectualism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears