intellectual establishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual establishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of individuals or institutions that are influential in the realm of ideas, education, or academia. Example: "The intellectual establishment often shapes public discourse through its research and publications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

She has been given short shrift by the intellectual establishment.

The Economist

That the right-wing intellectual establishment also constituted a powerful elite was somehow obscured.

The New York Times

Despite his fellowship at St John's College, Cambridge, he was never comfortable as part of Britain's intellectual establishment.

The Economist

The last thing he wanted or expected, Mr. Bourdieu insists, was to become part of the intellectual establishment.

The New York Times - Arts

Initially, the liberal intellectual establishment at America's most prestigious universities and media outlets looked upon institutions such as Heritage with a mixture of pity and contempt.

The Economist

A lifelong insider in the intellectual establishment, Lord Annan (he was given a life peerage by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1965) was the author of several books.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Given her experiences at the heart of the political, social and intellectual establishments, her memoirs would undoubtedly be fascinating.

The Guardian - Books

But my theory is that this duality extended far beyond sex: Redgrave was a committed actor and a frustrated poet, a popular movie star and a Stanislaski-worshipping intellectual, an Establishment figurehead and, as the recent Orwellian revelations suggest, an instinctive socialist.

The Guardian

Powerful Palestinian constituencies -- the intellectuals, security establishment, media, business community... -- whose support was vital for any peace effort were disillusioned..., doubtful of Israel's willingness to implement signed agreements".

The New York Times

These grim numbers, compiled by the Center for American Progress, describe a troubling new reality: the rise of the Tea Party and its anti-intellectual, anti-establishment, anti-elite worldview has brought both a mainstreaming and a radicalization of antiscientific thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

The surge of this candidate, Antanas Mockus, who served two very colorful terms as Bogotá's mayor, has made for one of Latin America's most exceptional presidential races in recent memory, pitting an insurgent intellectual against an establishment that suddenly finds itself on the defensive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "intellectual establishment", consider the specific context. Is it academia, politics, or culture you're referring to? Tailor your language to match.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual establishment" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for formal analysis or news reporting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual establishment" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a group or system of influential intellectuals. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe entities that wield significant influence in academic, political, or cultural spheres.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual establishment" is a noun phrase that refers to a group of influential intellectuals and institutions. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It often appears in news and media, with neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure accurate usage. Consider alternatives like "academic community" or "intelligentsia" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using it in informal settings. Overall, it's a valuable term for analyzing and discussing influence within specific fields of knowledge and culture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

academic community

Focuses specifically on academics, less broad than the original phrase.

intelligentsia

Implies a class of intellectuals seen as possessing culture and political influence.

academic elite

Highlights the high status and potential exclusivity within academia.

literary circles

Refers specifically to groups of writers and literary critics.

think tank community

Centers on organizations conducting research and advocacy, especially in policy.

learned societies

Emphasizes formal organizations dedicated to specific fields of knowledge.

cultural elite

Broader term encompassing influencers in arts and culture beyond just intellectuals.

the chattering classes

Often used pejoratively to describe intellectuals perceived as out of touch.

cognitive elite

Stresses intellectual ability as basis for status.

knowledge brokers

Highlights their role in disseminating and interpreting information, shifting emphasis from their inherent status.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectual establishment" to refer to influential groups in academia, politics, or culture, such as "The "intellectual establishment" often shapes public discourse".

What can I say instead of "intellectual establishment"?

Alternatives include "academic community", "intelligentsia", or "academic elite", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "intellectual establishment" a positive or negative term?

The term "intellectual establishment" is generally neutral, but can sometimes carry a negative connotation if used to imply elitism or detachment from real-world concerns. Context is key.

What's the difference between "intellectual establishment" and "the establishment"?

"The establishment" refers to the dominant ruling class or power structure in general, while "intellectual establishment" specifically refers to the influential group within the realm of ideas, education, and academia.