adj. 1. a. Of or relating to the intellect. b. Rational rather than emotional: an intellectual decision. 2. Appealing to or engaging the intellect: an intellectual book; an intellectual problem. 3. a. Having or showing intellect, especially to a high degree. See Synonyms at intelligent. b. Given to activities or pursuits that require exercise of the intellect. n. An intellectual person. [Middle English, from Old French intellectuel, from Late Latin intellēctuālis, from Latin intellēctus, intellect; see INTELLECT.] in′tel·lec′tu·ali·ty (-ălĭ-tē) n. in′tel·lectu·al·ly adv. in′tel·lectu·al·ness n. |
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