Definition of INTELLECTUALS (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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These courses not only demonstrate intellectual curiosity but also highlight a student’s ability to handle the demands of a college curriculum. —
Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Godard’s intellectual approach never turns skeptical. —Armond White, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
In France, his critique of Islam and Israel have pegged him as Islamophobic and anti-Zionist among some left-wing intellectuals, who say his political views veer toward those of Marine Le Pen and the far right. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2024 This beef-ending smash hit was an unlikely marvel: a defiantly West Coast track turned national anthem, a club hit recorded by an angsty intellectual, and an angry, dense diatribe with an indelible hook. —Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual 
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 28 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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