Word
intellectually
Phoneticsin·tel·lec·tu·al·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnəˈɫɛktʃuəɫi/
UK/ˌɪntəlˈɛktʃuːəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that relates to your mind and your ability to think and understand ideas. You use this when talking about mental activity rather than feelings or physical things.
adv. relating to the ability to think, reason, and understand complex ideas. Often used to distinguish mental processes from emotional or physical ones.
Examples
“The book is intellectually challenging but very rewarding.”
“While the job was physically easy, she found it intellectually draining because of the constant problem-solving required.”
“The professor argued that while the theory was intellectually sound, it lacked the empirical evidence necessary to convince the broader scientific community.”
Examples
simple
“The book is intellectually challenging but very rewarding.”
contextual
“While the job was physically easy, she found it intellectually draining because of the constant problem-solving required.”
complex
“The professor argued that while the theory was intellectually sound, it lacked the empirical evidence necessary to convince the broader scientific community.”
Usage
Typically modifies adjectives or verbs related to mental effort; often placed before the adjective it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“That’s how I relate to art, emotionally rather than intellectually.” “At the same time, acquiring a broad understanding of wine and winemaking is intellectually demanding.” Etymology
From intellectual + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intellectually