intellectualism

noun

in·​tel·​lec·​tu·​al·​ism ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce intellectualism (audio)
-chə-ˌli-,
-shwə-ˌli-,
-chü(-ə)-ˌli-
: devotion to the exercise of intellect or to intellectual pursuits
intellectualist
ˌin-tə-ˈlek-chə-wə-list How to pronounce intellectualism (audio)
-chə-list
-shwə-list
-chü(-ə)-list
noun or adjective
intellectualistic
ˌin-tə-ˌlek-chə-wə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce intellectualism (audio)
-chə-ˈli-
-shwə-ˈli-
-chü(-ə)-ˈli-
adjective

Examples of intellectualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Virgo Pallas in Virgo has the capacity to heal and bring intellectualism to matters. Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024 So Flynn publishes it anonymously and hires a handsome young actor to play the author, which backfires when the actor decides to draw on his regressive, laddish intellectualism to bring the book’s arguments to life. Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024 Kenan Thompson explains why Saturday Night Live ending after season 50 'might not be a bad idea' Pop Culture Jeopardy! will infuse the game show's rigorous intellectualism with some refreshing splashiness. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 July 2024 Even before the tragedy, the First Lady was already in the global spotlight, revered for her style and intellectualism. Mallory Moench, TIME, 19 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectualism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellectualism.' 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

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectualism was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near intellectualism

Cite this Entry

“Intellectualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectualism. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!