Definition of INTELLECTUAL (original) (raw)
1
a
: of or relating to the intellect or its use
b
: developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : rational
c
: requiring use of the intellect
2
a
: given to study, reflection, and speculation
b
: engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect
2
intellectuals plural, archaic : intellectual powers
Synonyms
Examples of intellectual in a Sentence
Adjective
the social and intellectual life of the campus as the daughter of college professors, she's used to being around intellectual people Noun
He thinks that he's an intellectual, but he doesn't know what he's talking about. She's a hard worker but she's no great intellectual. a café where artists and intellectuals mingle
Recent Examples on the Web
Her career path has led her to make advances, going from lingerie model to ad doctor, allowing her intellectual and open hearted Sagittarian essence to come out. —
Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024 The federal definition of emotional disturbance defines students as having one or more of these issues: Learning issues that can’t be explained by intellectual, sensory or health reasons. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024
For decades, artists and intellectuals have been drawn to the spiritual quality that continues to persist here, due in large part to its history. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024 The organization Hot was started in 1989 by Leigh Blake and John Carlin as a response to the devastation wrought by AIDS on a generation of New York artists and intellectuals. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellectual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectual was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near intellectual
Cite this Entry
“Intellectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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