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Definition of intellectual
1a : of or relating to the intellect or its useb : developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : rationalc : requiring use of the intellect intellectual games
2a : given to study, reflection, and speculationb : engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect intellectual playwrights
From the M-W Editors
Examples of intellectual in a Sentence
the social and intellectual life of the campus
as the daughter of college professors, she's used to being around intellectual people
Recent Examples of intellectual from the Web
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Gee this year began to think about using a federal law that allows the government to override intellectual-property rights to get more-affordable medication.
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It is widely regarded as an invigorating intellectual challenge.
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Some business groups also think the deal needs an upgrade to address e-commerce and intellectual property rights connected to the digital economy.
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Over the past few years, a steady stream of commentary has deplored the state of free speech and intellectual inquiry on campus.
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A man as much at home sharing a few beers, surfing or going for a swim with friends as with discussing the most difficult intellectual concepts.
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Catherine's natural ability partnered with her intellectual depth and curiosity lead me to believe her college search process will be quite exciting.
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Video-game companies typically push for greater cross-border protection of intellectual property in such deals.
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The company also is hiring engineers, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, software, an accountant and an intellectual property attorney.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intellectual'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of intellectual
15th century
Other Psychology Terms
intellectual
Definition of intellectual
1 intellectuals plural, archaic : intellectual powers
2 : an intellectual person
Examples of intellectual in a Sentence
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 of intellectual from the Web
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Conservative intellectuals make a sharp distinction, at least in theory, between good wealth amassed through pure capitalism and bad wealth obtained by government favoritism.
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Some conservative intellectuals attribute Trump’s ascendancy to a betrayal of conservative ideals.
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Though all of these authors would later reject his argument, Van Doren's thesis — bolstered by megaphone intellectuals like H.L. Mencken — persisted.
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Boston, Massachusetts Boston has always drawn history buffs and intellectuals for its important monuments and major universities but for foodies, the city was always a bit lacking.
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Some intellectuals say the episode highlights a lack of diverse voices in the influential research journals where getting a paper accepted is often vital to getting ahead in the publish-or-perish world of academia.
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Brain drain, a term which originated in the 1960s when British scientists and intellectuals immigrated to the U.S., refers to the loss of human capital.
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Robert Mitchum isn't known for playing modest intellectuals.
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A native of Oakland, Harris is the eldest daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants who met in graduate school and were Civil Right activists and intellectuals.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intellectual'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of intellectual
1599
INTELLECTUAL Defined for English Language Learners
intellectual
playDefinition of intellectual for English Language Learners
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: of or relating to the ability to think in a logical way
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: involving serious study and thought
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of a person : smart and enjoying serious study and thought
intellectual
Definition of intellectual for English Language Learners
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: a smart person who enjoys serious study and thought : an intellectual person
INTELLECTUAL Defined for Kids
Definition of intellectual for Students
1 : of or relating to thought or understanding intellectual development
2 : interested in serious study and thought an intellectual person
3 : requiring study and thought an intellectual challenge
intellectually
\-wə-lē\ adverbDefinition of intellectual for Students
: a person who takes pleasure in serious study and thought
Learn More about intellectual
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intellectual Spanish Central: Translation of intellectual Nglish: Translation of intellectual for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intellectual for Arabic speakers
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