intellectual

The word “intellectual” means relating to the ability to think and reason, rather than to emotions or physical skill. In plain terms, to do with serious thinking and ideas, or a person known for engaging deeply with ideas.

“Intellectual” is pronounced ihn-tuh-LEHKT-shoorl (/ˌɪntəˈlɛkt͡ʃʊəl/ in IPA).

Here is “intellectual” used in a sentence: “The debate club offered great intellectual stimulation.”

Words with a similar meaning to “intellectual” include cerebral, logical, mental and rational.

The opposite of “intellectual” — its antonyms — are nonintellectual and visceral.

Depending on how it is used, “intellectual” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “intellectual” comes from Latin. From Latin intellectualis, based on intellectus, "understanding.".

“Intellectual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"Intelligent" describes someone with a high ability to learn, understand, and reason. "Intellectual" describes a focus on ideas, thinking, and scholarly matters, so an intellectual person is deeply engaged with serious ideas, while an intelligent person is simply mentally able. Someone can be intelligent without being an intellectual.

"Academic" relates specifically to education, schools, and universities, or to theoretical rather than practical concerns. "Intellectual" is broader, describing serious engagement with ideas and learning that need not be tied to a formal institution.

Frequent phrases include "intellectual property," "intellectual curiosity," "intellectual pursuits," "intellectual honesty," and "public intellectual." As an adjective it also pairs with "intellectual ability" and "intellectual challenge."

"Intellectual" is a noun when it names a person who engages seriously with ideas, learning, or scholarly matters, as in "a leading intellectual." It is an adjective when it describes thinking or reasoning, as in "intellectual work."