intellectual turmoil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual turmoil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of mental confusion or conflict regarding ideas, beliefs, or knowledge. Example: "The philosopher experienced a period of intellectual turmoil as he grappled with the implications of his new theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This intellectual turmoil on fees provides the essential context for what is about to become an even bigger problem for Clegg.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The intellectual and political turmoil surrounding the French Revolution had set in motion intense and urgent discussion concerning the nature of society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kerry Fox as earnest, inquisitive Hannah and Lia Williams as beatific Joanna give fine performances, tempering emotional portrayals of intellectual and spiritual turmoil with more recognizable displays of weariness, confusion and infatuation.

The New York Times - Arts

With Beethoven's third-to-last sonata, Op. 109, he was profoundly contemplative, as if constructing a mighty intellectual architecture in the darkest turmoil of the soul.

The New Yorker

"Hamoun" reflects a range of European influences, from the phantasmagoria of Fellini to the painful psychodrama of Ingmar Bergman, in telling the story of a well-to-do intellectual thrown into self-indulgent turmoil when his wife announces her intention to divorce him.

The New York Times

He was rarely so relaxed in a role again and earned a reputation for playing troubled, neurotic, repressed characters, usually thoughtful, scholarly, intellectual and artistic, whose inner turmoil he was able to express vocally and visually with a wide range of nuance.

The Guardian - Film

Director Michael Longhurst takes a high-octane approach, punctuating scenes with noisy synth-pop and aggressive choreography that establishes the 1980s context while suggesting that, for all the boys' urbane familiarity with everything from Wittgenstein to George Formby, there is raging hormonal turmoil beneath the intellectual crust.

The Guardian

On Thursday, Chinese state-run news media featured a commentary from the official Xinhua news agency that warned that if China embraced democratic ideas promoted by liberal intellectuals, it would succumb to turmoil worse than that in the Soviet Union after the collapse of Communism.

The New York Times

Liberated Lublin attracted the intellectuals who had survived the turmoil of the war.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

All this accompanied, at least in the west, by a turmoil of argument among intellectuals and artists, of bitter rivalries, sudden apostasy, self-delusion and deep mutual suspicion.

The Guardian - Books

The late Roman Republic, despite its turmoil, was a period of remarkable intellectual ferment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual turmoil" to describe periods of intense questioning, doubt, or conflict related to one's beliefs, knowledge, or understanding. It is suitable when discussing philosophical, scientific, or personal struggles.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual turmoil" to describe simple confusion or forgetfulness. Reserve it for situations involving deep, significant, and often unsettling questioning of core beliefs or knowledge.

Linguistic Context

"Intellectual turmoil" functions as a noun phrase describing a state of mental or cognitive disruption. It combines the adjective "intellectual", relating to the intellect, with the noun "turmoil", indicating disturbance or confusion. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual turmoil" effectively conveys a state of cognitive disruption or confusion, particularly when grappling with complex ideas or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage in formal and neutral contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant period of questioning or doubt, avoiding its application to simple confusion. Related phrases like "cognitive dissonance" or "mental unrest" may serve as suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive dissonance

Focuses on the discomfort arising from holding conflicting beliefs.

mental unrest

Emphasizes a state of unease and agitation in the mind.

intellectual struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in grappling with complex ideas.

ideological conflict

Highlights a struggle between differing belief systems.

intellectual crisis

Implies a critical turning point or moment of uncertainty in one's thinking.

inner conflict

Describes a struggle within oneself, often involving beliefs or values.

philosophical quandary

Refers specifically to a difficult or perplexing problem in philosophy.

cognitive friction

Highlights the resistance or difficulty encountered when processing conflicting information.

epistemic uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of certainty or clarity regarding knowledge.

existential angst

Emphasizes feelings of anxiety and dread related to the meaning of existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectual turmoil" to describe a state of mental confusion or conflict regarding ideas, beliefs, or knowledge. For example: "The philosopher experienced a period of "intellectual turmoil" as he grappled with the implications of his new theories."

What's a simpler way to express "intellectual turmoil"?

Depending on the context, you might use "mental unrest", "cognitive dissonance", or "inner conflict" as alternatives.

Is "intellectual turmoil" the same as "emotional turmoil"?

"Intellectual turmoil" refers to confusion or conflict in one's thoughts or beliefs, while "emotional turmoil" refers to a state of intense emotional distress. They are distinct, though related, experiences.

Can "intellectual turmoil" lead to positive outcomes?

Yes, while uncomfortable, "intellectual turmoil" can be a catalyst for growth and new understanding. It can push individuals to re-evaluate their assumptions and develop more nuanced perspectives.