intellectually stimulating

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectually stimulating" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that requires thinking and encourages intellectual development. For example, "Reading classic literature is intellectually stimulating, as it encourages critical thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's really intellectually stimulating.

The Guardian - Arts

"Being a Ned is intellectually stimulating.

The Guardian

That's what makes it intellectually stimulating.

The Guardian - Tech

He could tire almost anyone's mind while intellectually stimulating them.

The New York Times

The research environment at Harvard is intellectually stimulating.

Harvard University

It is also livelier and less solitary – and, unlike many forms of casual labour, intellectually stimulating.

The Guardian

"An exciting, intellectually stimulating science-fiction thriller which also connects emotionally," swooned Empire.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Graduates often expect to be doing intellectually-stimulating work straight away.

The Guardian

Five entire months devoid of intellectually-stimulating classroom experiences.

HuffPost

Hats off to Rhizome for making Black Friday more intellectually-stimulating while still celebrating the day.

Vice

Fourth, the material must be intellectually stimulating and relevant.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectually stimulating" to describe environments, activities, or conversations that actively engage and challenge the mind, promoting deeper thinking and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectually stimulating" to describe mundane or routine tasks. Reserve it for experiences that genuinely provoke thought and require mental engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectually stimulating" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe something that provokes thought, encourages learning, and actively engages the mind. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intellectually stimulating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe experiences that encourage deep thinking and learning. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and correct application across diverse contexts. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic content. While numerous alternatives exist, the choice depends heavily on context and the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When aiming to describe something that truly engages the mind, "intellectually stimulating" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally engaging

Focuses on the active involvement of the mind, highlighting the captivating aspect of the experience.

thought-provoking

Emphasizes the stimulation of thought and reflection, suggesting a deeper level of intellectual engagement.

cognitively stimulating

Highlights the stimulation of cognitive processes, making it suitable for technical or academic contexts.

intellectually challenging

Shifts the focus to the demanding nature of the activity, suggesting that it requires significant mental effort.

stimulating to the mind

Offers a more direct and emphatic way of expressing mental stimulation.

academically enriching

Specifically relates to experiences that enhance one's academic knowledge and understanding.

intellectually invigorating

Adds a sense of energy and revitalization to the intellectual experience.

mind-expanding

Suggests an experience that broadens one's perspective and understanding.

conceptually rich

Highlights the abundance and complexity of ideas involved.

brain-tickling

Implies a light, playful type of mental stimulation.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectually stimulating" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectually stimulating" to describe activities, environments, or people that encourage deep thinking and learning. For example, "The university offered an "intellectually stimulating" environment for its students".

What are some synonyms for "intellectually stimulating"?

Alternatives include "mentally engaging", "thought-provoking", and "cognitively stimulating". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "intellectually stimulating"?

Yes, it is appropriate. Describing a person as "intellectually stimulating" suggests that they engage others in thought-provoking conversations and offer insightful perspectives.

What's the difference between "intellectually stimulating" and "intellectually challenging"?

"Intellectually stimulating" implies that something is engaging and encourages thought, whereas "intellectually challenging" suggests that something requires significant mental effort and may be difficult. A stimulating experience is enjoyable, while a challenging one may be demanding.