in intellectual terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in intellectual terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, ideas, or arguments in a way that emphasizes their intellectual or cognitive aspects. Example: "The debate can be understood in intellectual terms, as it raises fundamental questions about ethics and morality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

One does wonder what the magazine's readers made of the contention that Donald Rumsfeld's Hobbesian pragmatism is to be preferred to Bill Clinton's impulsiveness, that "in intellectual terms atheism is a Victorian fossil", or the baleful but gracefully expressed reminder that "the human animal is itself only a passing tremor in the life of the planet".

The Guardian - Books

Still, for many years, Pepperberg felt that she and Alex were, in intellectual terms, out on a limb.

The New Yorker

The Bush Administration's departure from international norms has been justified in intellectual terms by élite lawyers like Gonzales, who is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

The New Yorker

"This is because for the advanced and higher courses there is an 'end state' defining the intended goal for students almost entirely in intellectual terms.

The Guardian

Everyone involved seemed to embrace a composer too often thought of in intellectual terms and not as the volcano of life force that he actually was.

The New York Times - Arts

But it may also be that a man who was brave enough to point his Swift Boat into enemy fire is, in intellectual terms, unwilling to break ranks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

His "sexual rebellion," as Wright chastely puts it, may make him appear modern, but "in intellectual and existential terms," he is "utterly alien to us".

The New York Times - Books

In his longer essay "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" (1914), Kandinsky set out in complex intellectual terms how this new theatre, based on spirituality rather than materiality, could be constructed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was alluding to the deeper, transformative dimensions of therapy that can't be expressed in purely intellectual terms.

The New York Times - Health

And it's definitely true that in sheer intellectual terms, this is looking like an epic rout.

The New York Times

The God of Christianity is supposed to be a personal savior who hears our prayers and absolves us of sin, not an abstract universal.[1] It may be difficult to save Malebranche (or Aquinas) from this objection, but one should note that the 'God of the philosophers,' conceived of in purely intellectual terms as an infinite and all perfect being, is already removed from the more churchly conception.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in intellectual terms", ensure the context clearly relates to cognitive or reasoning abilities, avoiding ambiguity with emotional or practical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "in intellectual terms" when describing situations better explained by emotional intelligence or empathy. This phrase is specific to cognitive processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in intellectual terms" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the perspective or framework of analysis. It indicates that the subject is being considered from a cognitive or reasoning-based viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in intellectual terms" serves to specify that an analysis or consideration is focused on cognitive or reasoning-based aspects. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it is found across various domains, particularly News & Media and Science, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely involves cognitive or reasoning abilities, distinguishing it from areas of emotion or practicality. Using alternative phrases like "from an intellectual standpoint" can provide similar nuance. While being a correct and helpful phrase, the overall frequency of appearance suggests a need for judicious application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from an intellectual standpoint

Focuses on perspective rather than the field of intellect.

intellectually speaking

Emphasizes the act of speaking or considering something intellectually.

in terms of intellect

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning.

on an intellectual level

Highlights the level or depth of intellectual engagement.

from a cognitive perspective

Shifts focus to cognitive processes rather than general intellect.

regarding intellectual aspects

Highlights specific aspects that are intellectual.

in cognitive terms

Highlights cognitive processes and understanding rather than a broad intellectual viewpoint.

as a matter of intellect

Presents the concept as directly related to intellect itself.

using intellectual criteria

Focuses on the standards or benchmarks of intellectual assessment.

by intellectual standards

Focuses on specific standards.

FAQs

How can I use "in intellectual terms" in a sentence?

Use "in intellectual terms" to specify that your analysis or assessment focuses on cognitive or reasoning aspects, as opposed to emotional or practical considerations. For example, "The debate can be understood "in intellectual terms", as it raises fundamental questions about ethics and morality."

What phrases are similar to "in intellectual terms"?

Alternatives include "from an intellectual standpoint", "intellectually speaking", or "on an intellectual level". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in intellectual term" (singular)?

No, the correct form is ""in intellectual terms"" (plural). The phrase refers to a framework or system of intellectual assessment, which inherently involves multiple elements or criteria.

How does "in intellectual terms" differ from "in spiritual terms"?

"In intellectual terms" relates to cognitive understanding and reasoning, while "in spiritual terms" concerns matters of the spirit, faith, or inner self. They address fundamentally different domains of experience and analysis.