intellectually

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intellectually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a person or situation that involves analysis or thought. For example: "The professor's lectures were intellectually stimulating for the students in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When my friends try to intellectually justify the likes of the humourless recent Batman films, I think of Charlie Brooker's imaginary magazine for simpletons, Shit Film Liker (cover: "Con Air 2: at last!").

The Guardian - Film

Q: [To Hall] Are you not intellectually curious as to who was right in the Newsnight/Savile affair - Helen Boaden or Mark Thompson?

The Guardian

A prisoner in Georgia who has been diagnosed as intellectually disabled by all medical experts who have examined him will be put to death on Monday unless the US supreme court acts to enforce its own constitutional ban on executing "mentally retarded" individuals.

The Guardian

Georgia is the only state in the union that insists that death row inmates must prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that they are intellectually disabled – or "mentally retarded" in the designation still widely used in US judicial circles – if they are to avoid execution.

The Guardian

Ministers acknowledge that a conflict over the Human Rights Act may prove to be one of the most difficult politically, legally and intellectually for the Tories.

The Guardian

But I found that whatever the major issue being addressed, absolutely of the essence was the ability to frame a way forward in terms that were intellectually coherent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truth is altogether physically and intellectually more frustrating, messier and far less dignified than Redmayne is allowed to convey.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is their activity, politically and intellectually, that we find deposited in the documents that made the republic.

The Guardian - Tech

It sounds much more stimulating and intellectually nourishing.

The Guardian

Hill has now been found to be intellectually disabled – or, as the courts still put it, "mentally retarded" – by all nine medical specialists who have evaluated him.

The Guardian

Even though our talks were sometimes quite dramatic and more than lively, I found them intellectually stimulating and admired her deliberate approach to all subjects, her thoughtfulness and her ability to stand her ground – stubbornly but persuasively.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intellectually", ensure the context clearly indicates the domain of intelligence or thought being referenced. For example, "intellectually stimulating" is more precise than simply "stimulating".

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "smartly" or "thoughtfully" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your speech sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intellectually" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action or quality is related to the intellect or involves thinking. Ludwig confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectually" functions as an adverb indicating a relationship to the intellect or cognitive processes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its frequency and appropriateness depend on the surrounding language. When aiming for clarity and precision, "intellectually" serves as a valuable tool for conveying the involvement of thinking and reasoning. The user should avoid overusing "intellectually" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples illustrate its function as an adverb and qualify its meaning, showing that it is a very common term with a wide distribution of domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an intellectual level

This alternative emphasizes the level of abstraction and complexity involved.

by applying intellect

This is a more active and deliberate way of describing using intelligence.

in a thoughtful manner

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate nature of intellectual engagement.

using reason

This alternative highlights the rational aspect of intellectual activity.

with cognitive skills

Highlights the use of specific mental abilities.

in a smart way

This alternative uses simpler language to convey the concept of intelligence.

with understanding

Focuses on comprehension and insight rather than pure intelligence.

from a cognitive perspective

This is a more formal, academic way of describing something related to thought processes.

through mental effort

Highlights the exertion involved in intellectual pursuits.

in an erudite fashion

Implies a high level of learning and sophistication.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectually" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectually" to describe actions or qualities related to the intellect. For example: "She approached the problem intellectually" or "The movie was intellectually stimulating".

What's the difference between "intellectually" and "intelligently"?

"Intellectually" refers more to the capacity for or involvement in complex thought, while "intelligently" refers to the manner of acting with intelligence. So, you might say someone approached a task "intelligently".

What are some synonyms for "intellectually"?

Some synonyms for "intellectually" include "thoughtfully", "rationally", and "cognitively". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "intellectually" in formal writing?

While "intellectually" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. In some cases, a simpler word might be more effective. Choose the word that most accurately conveys your intended meaning.