# intelligentsia

/ˌɪnˌtɛɫəˈdʒɛntsiə/ (US) · /ɪntˌɛlɪdʒˈɛntsiə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intelligentsia
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a group of people who are highly educated and interested in politics and culture. They often use their knowledge to influence how society thinks and changes.

For teachers: the class of highly educated people who are concerned with the intellectual and cultural life of a society. Often used to describe those who provide the theoretical basis for political or social change.

## Examples

- The local intelligentsia gathered to discuss the new government policy.
- During the revolution, the intelligentsia played a key role in publishing pamphlets that explained the new ideas to the general public.
- The ruling party sought to co-opt the urban intelligentsia by offering them prestigious academic positions, hoping to stifle the spread of dissenting political theories within the university system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.