First Known Use: 1905
Dictionary
intelligentsia
noun in·tel·li·gent·sia \in-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-sē-ə, -ˈgen(t)-\
: a group of intelligent and well-educated people who guide or try to guide the political, artistic, or social development of their society
Full Definition of INTELLIGENTSIA
: intellectuals who form an artistic, social, or political vanguard or elite
See intelligentsia defined for English-language learners
See intelligentsia defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of INTELLIGENTSIA
Russian intelligentsiya, from Latin intelligentia intelligence
Other Sociology Terms
Learn More About INTELLIGENTSIA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: intelligiblePrevious Word in the Dictionary: intelligent designAll Words Near: intelligentsia
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up intelligentsia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).