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Synonyms for

Intellectual

Adjective / ˌɪntʌˈlektʃu:ʌl / / ˌɪnʌˈlektʃu:ʌl / Another word for intellectual — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Intellectual means relating to the ability to think in a logical way and understand complex ideas and information.

Synonyms & similar words

rational emotional noetic nonintellectual intellect cerebral academic brainy cerebral erudite intelligent learned scholarly smart sophisticated wise bright clever educated enlightened knowledgeable rational reasoning scientific thinking thoughtful

Synonyms by register

Formal

erudite scholarly cerebral academic

Informal

brainy smart wise clever

Literary

sage philosopher thinker

Antonyms

unintelligent ignorant unthinking simple uneducated obtuse dim-witted

Common collocations

  • intellectual property
  • intellectual curiosity
  • intellectual development
  • intellectual giant
  • intellectual pursuit
  • intellectual capacity
  • intellectual discourse

Word family

noun intellect
adjective intellectual
adverb intellectually

Usage note

Often used to describe someone with a strong capacity for thought and reasoning, or related to the intellect. Can sometimes carry a connotation of being overly academic or detached from practical matters.

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Example sentences

  1. The professor was known for his intellectual lectures on philosophy.
  2. She enjoyed engaging in intellectual debates with her classmates.
  3. He was a highly respected intellectual in the scientific community.

Quotes

  • The intellectual is different from the ordinary man, but only in certain sections of his personality, and even then not all the time. - George Orwell
  • Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them. - Albert Einstein
  • The mark of an intellectual is not whether you can entertain an idea, but whether you can take it seriously. - Theodore Roosevelt

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