anti-intellectual

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Sure! Let's break down the word "anti-intellectual" in a way that's easy to understand.

Definition:

• Anti-intellectual (adjective): This describes someone who is not interested in thinking deeply about ideas, education, art, or culture. They often show a lack of respect for people who value knowledge and learning.

• Anti-intellectual (noun): A person who avoids or is hostile to intellectual activities or ideas.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "anti-intellectual" to describe someone’s behavior or attitude. For example, if someone mocks people who enjoy reading books or learning, you might say they are anti-intellectual.

Examples:

1. Adjective: "His anti-intellectual remarks during the discussion made it clear he wasn't interested in serious debate."
2. Noun: "Some people believe that being an anti-intellectual can harm society by discouraging education."

Advanced Usage:

• When discussing social issues, you might say that "anti-intellectualism" is on the rise in certain groups, meaning that more people are becoming dismissive of education and intellectual discussions.

Word Variants:

• Anti-intellectualism (noun): This is the belief or attitude that opposes or disregards intellectual pursuits.
• Intellectual (noun/adjective): A person who values and engages in intellectual activities; relating to the intellect.

Different Meanings:

While "anti-intellectual" primarily refers to a disdain for intellectual activities, it can also imply a broader rejection of critical thinking in favor of simpler, more populist ideas.

Synonyms:

• Uneducated
• Anti-knowledge
• Ignorant
• Anti-elite

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for "anti-intellectual," but you might encounter phrases like: - "Dumbing down": This means making things simpler or less sophisticated, often in a way that discourages deeper thought. - "Burying your head in the sand": This idiom means ignoring or avoiding difficult or complex issues, similar to an anti-intellectual attitude.

Summary:

"Anti-intellectual" describes a person or attitude that is indifferent or hostile to knowledge, learning, and cultural values.

Academic

Noun

1. a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits

Adjective

1. smug and ignorant and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values

Synonyms

• philistine
• lowbrow