intellectual breadth

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectual breadth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone with a broad understanding of multiple topics. For example, "John has a tremendous amount of intellectual breadth; he can talk about politics, economics, literature, and art with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It also underscores Lautner's intellectual breadth.

The New York Times - Arts

It's an audacious task, but he has the intellectual breadth for it.

The New York Times - Science

He showed how a writer can handle tight plots and yet contain an intellectual breadth.

The Guardian - Books

He's got incredible intellectual breadth but he doesn't talk like an intellectual.

The Guardian

With sadness at our loss, we remember his intellectual breadth, incisive wit, personal courage, loyal friendship, and stylistic elegance.

The New York Times

Western diplomats and business people have warmed to the 57-year-old, thanks to his confident English and intellectual breadth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

All those things which commencement speakers talk about — personal growth, critical-thinking skills, intellectual exploration, breadth of learning — will survive at the top institutions, but other colleges will come under increased pressure to adopt the model of trade schools.

The New Yorker

This consigns non-élite students to other ways — if there are any — of developing "critical-thinking skills, intellectual exploration, breadth of learning," as their universities effectively become trade schools providing only "skills instruction".

The New Yorker

Mr. Haskell's books have been widely admired for their historical breadth, intellectual vitality and stylistic grace.

The New York Times - Arts

Hill's work was steeped in history (and occasionally myth), unashamed of intellectual and scholarly breadth; Movement poetry was cautious, rooted in a defiantly ordinary contemporary English postwar vision, scornful of "pretension".

The Guardian - Books

Banholzer's off-topic questions aren't probing for expertise in those other fields but for evidence of intellectual flexibility and breadth.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual breadth" to describe someone who has a wide understanding of many different subjects, not just a deep understanding of one.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual breadth" when you mean "intellectual depth". Breadth refers to range, while depth refers to the level of understanding within a specific area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual breadth" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a quality or characteristic of a person, idea, or field of study, as Ludwig highlights.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual breadth" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a wide range of knowledge and understanding across various subjects. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for describing someone who demonstrates an understanding of multiple topics. It appears commonly in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, signifying its acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. To ensure precise communication, remember that "intellectual breadth" emphasizes the range of knowledge, not the depth, and there are related phrases like "intellectual scope" and "academic breadth" that can be used as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual depth

Focuses more on the depth of knowledge rather than the range.

intellectual scope

Indicates the extent or range of intellectual activity or understanding.

intellectual expanse

Emphasizes the vastness of one's intellectual capacity.

intellectual diversity

Implies a range of different perspectives and approaches within intellectual pursuits.

academic breadth

Specifically refers to the range of knowledge within academic fields.

intellectual spectrum

Suggests a continuous range of intellectual abilities or interests.

intellectual variety

Highlights the diversity of intellectual pursuits.

cultural breadth

Highlights the range of cultural knowledge and understanding.

intellectual richness

Suggests a fullness and complexity of understanding.

spiritual breadth

Expands beyond the purely intellectual to include spiritual understanding.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "intellectual breadth" in my application?

Highlight diverse coursework, extracurricular activities, and projects that showcase your curiosity and engagement with various fields. Emphasize interdisciplinary connections you've made across different subjects.

What's the difference between "intellectual breadth" and expertise?

"Intellectual breadth" refers to a wide range of knowledge across different areas, while expertise signifies deep and specialized knowledge in a particular field. You can have both, but they're not the same.

How can I develop my "intellectual breadth"?

Read widely, explore different subjects, attend lectures and workshops outside your field, and engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Embrace lifelong learning.

Are there synonyms for "intellectual breadth" I can use in my writing?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "intellectual scope", "intellectual range", or "academic breadth", depending on the context.