adj
intellectual
ihn-tuh-LEHKT-shoorl
adj
1
Relating to the ability to think and reason, rather than to emotions or physical skill.
"The debate club offered great intellectual stimulation."
"She enjoyed the intellectual challenge of learning a new language."
noun
1
A person who engages seriously with ideas, learning, or scholarly matters.
"The café was a popular meeting spot for local intellectuals."
How to Use Intellectual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with serious thinking and ideas, or a person known for engaging deeply with ideas.
Common pairings
intellectual property
intellectual curiosity
a leading intellectual
Word Forms
more intellectual comparative, intellectuals plural, most intellectual superlative
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Etymology
From Latin intellectualis, based on intellectus, "understanding."