intellectual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something related to the intellect or mental capacity, often in contexts discussing ideas, knowledge, or academic pursuits. Example: "The conference focused on the intellectual challenges facing modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This case has raised attention around the world, with particular concern around Mr Hill's intellectual disability," said Annabelle Malins, the British consul general.

The Guardian

It is the intellectual justification for why such a high premium is placed on degrees from first-tier business schools, and why the compensation packages for top executives have become so lavish.

The Economist

McIntyre said that during legal challenges against the tapes handover Boston-based judge William Young, who read all the relevant interviews, described the project as a "bona fide academic exercise of considerable intellectual merit".

The Guardian

Creative and intellectual, she is extremely interesting in race and culture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A cornerstone of the good practice guidelines is that MBCT teachers have an established personal mindfulness practice and appreciate the common nature of human suffering, rather than teaching from a purely intellectual stance".

The Guardian

The Trans Pacific Partnership, although billed as a trade agreement, includes provisions on intellectual property and copyright that are usually outside the boundaries of trade, critics say.

The Guardian - Business

"It is surprising that individuals at an institution of higher learning claiming to embrace the notion of academic and intellectual freedom would display intolerance and shout down a voice in the debate they simply don't agree with," Pyne said through a spokesman.

The Guardian

McDonald's is accused of channelling money through a Luxembourg-based subsidiary with a Swiss branch to exploit a generous tax break on intellectual property rights.

The Guardian - Business

Historical amnesia is certainly liberating – so liberating that America is once again diving into free fall, unmoored by any critical or intellectual insight into its own myths, or even into the histories of the debates that we think define our moment.

The Guardian - Books

To visit his office was to experience something of the intellectual calm of a tutorial or the moral purgation of a confessional.

The Guardian

Patents became protection of intellectual property, ensuring that inventors' ideas could be shared under licence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intellectual", ensure that the context clearly indicates the type of intelligence or mental activity being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "intellectual property" or "intellectual challenge" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual" in sentences that are already dense with complex vocabulary. Simpler language can often be more effective in conveying your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "intellectual" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something related to the intellect or mental capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. It can also function as a noun referring to a person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "intellectual" is a versatile term, most commonly used as an adjective to describe things related to the intellect, and occasionally as a noun to refer to a person engaged in intellectual pursuits. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts, suggesting a broad applicability across various domains. When using "intellectual", ensure the context clarifies the specific type of intelligence being referenced. While versatile, simpler language might sometimes be more effective than overly complex sentences containing "intellectual".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intelligent

A more general term for having the capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding.

cerebral

Focuses more on the brain and mental processes, often implying a detached or overly analytical approach.

erudite

Emphasizes deep and extensive knowledge acquired through learning and study.

scholarly

Relates specifically to academic pursuits and rigorous research.

cognitive

Focuses on the mental processes involved in knowing, understanding, and learning.

academic

Relates to formal education and scholarly activities.

rational

Highlights the use of reason and logic in thinking and decision-making.

thoughtful

Emphasizes careful consideration and deep reflection.

knowledgeable

Indicates possessing a wide range of information and understanding.

reflective

Implies a tendency to think deeply and carefully about things.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual" in a sentence?

The word "intellectual" can be used to describe something related to the intellect or mental capacity. For example, "The conference focused on the "intellectual challenges" facing modern society."

What is the difference between "intellectual" and "intelligent"?

"Intellectual" often refers to higher-level cognitive abilities and engagement with complex ideas, while "intelligent" is a more general term for having the capacity for learning and understanding.

What can I say instead of "intellectual"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cerebral", "erudite", or "scholarly" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to use "intellectual" as a noun?

Yes, "intellectual" can be used as a noun to refer to a person who is highly intelligent and engaged in intellectual pursuits, as in, "He is an "intellectual with many ideas"."