intellectual

Connected with thinking, understanding, or learning, rather than with the body or feelings.

• Chess is an intellectual challenge.
• The course helps children develop intellectual skills.
• She enjoys both physical activity and intellectual debate.

Similar words: mental, cognitive

Opposites: physical

Common phrases: intellectual development, intellectual ability, intellectual challenge

Knowing a lot and enjoying serious thought, study, and discussion.

• She grew up in an intellectual family.
• His intellectual friends enjoy discussing history.
• The speaker attracted a largely intellectual audience.

Similar words: learned, educated

Common phrases: an intellectual person, intellectual friends, intellectual audience

Able to think clearly and understand difficult ideas.

• He is an intellectual young man.
• Her intellectual mind quickly understood the problem.
• The teacher described him as quiet but highly intellectual.

Similar words: intelligent, clever

Opposites: unintelligent

Common phrases: an intellectual person, intellectual mind, intellectual child, highly intellectual

A well-educated person who thinks and talks about serious ideas.

• She is a respected intellectual.
• Several intellectuals signed the letter.
• The cafe became a meeting place for writers and intellectuals.

Similar words: thinker, scholar

Common phrases: a public intellectual, a leading intellectual, a young intellectual