What does intellectualist mean?
An intellectualist is someone who supports or embodies intellectualism: the belief that reason, ideas, and theoretical analysis should be central to thought and action. The term can describe a philosophical advocate or someone whose approach is characterized by abstract argument and close attention to ideas. It is sometimes contrasted with a practical person who emphasizes immediate outcomes, although such contrast can become critical or dismissive when the word is used carelessly. “Intellectualist” is less common than “intellectual” and is most often encountered in discussions of philosophy, politics, literature, and intellectual history. It should not be used as a synonym for every learned or reflective person; it more specifically identifies someone associated with the doctrine or practice of intellectualism.
nounAn intellectualist is someone who espouses intellectualism, especially the view that intellectual or theoretical considerations should take precedence over practical, emotional, or material ones.
- A person who advocates intellectualism or places intellectual and theoretical considerations above practical, emotional, or material ones.
"Despite his reputation as an intellectualist, he remained deeply engaged in practical social questions."
"The young intellectualist challenged the committee's appeal to sentiment rather than evidence."
"Her account of the movement portrays him as a rigorous intellectualist rather than a conventional statesman."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one intellectualist.
"The debate brought together intellectualists from several philosophical traditions."
Intellectualism is a philosophy; an intellectualist is someone who puts it into practice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intellectualist come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ist” to “intellectual,” meaning a person who follows or advocates a particular intellectual position. “Intellectual” comes through French from Latin intellectualis, a derivative of intellectus, “understanding” or “perception.” The same Latin root underlies words such as “intellect,” “intelligence,” and “intelligible.”
How intellectualist is actually used
The term is relatively uncommon and chiefly occurs in philosophical, political, and intellectual discourse. Depending on context, it may sound neutral or slightly dismissive, especially when it implies that theory is valued at the expense of practical concerns.
Easily confused with intellectualist
An intellectualist advocates the intellectualist position, whereas an intellectual is simply a person distinguished by intellectual interests or ability.