intellectualism

intellectualism

An elderly scholar sits in a quiet library, surrounded by towering bookshelves, deeply engross in intellectualism.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Devotion to intellectual pursuits: "intellectualism" refers to the habit of mind or practice of giving a high priority to intellectual activities, such as reasoning, study, and abstract thought, often at the expense of practical or emotional considerations.
    • Philosophical doctrine: In philosophy, "intellectualism" is the theory that knowledge is derived primarily from reason or intellect, rather than from sensory experience or intuition.
Usage Examples
  • (His devotion to intellectual activities.)
  • (The priority given to intellectual pursuits.)
  • (The philosophical doctrine.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to be accused of intellectualism": to be criticized for being overly rational or detached from everyday life.
    • The professor was accused of intellectualism for dismissing emotional arguments in his lectures. (Criticized for excessive reliance on reason.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Intellectual (adj): relating to the intellect or the ability to reason.

    • She enjoys intellectual conversations about science and art. (Conversations involving deep thought.)

  • Intellectualize (verb): to give an intellectual or rational character to something, often to avoid emotional engagement.

    • He tends to intellectualize his feelings rather than express them directly. (Analyze feelings rationally instead of experiencing them.)
Synonyms
  • Rationalism: the belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge.
  • Scholasticism: a medieval system of thought emphasizing logical reasoning and formal education.
  • Cerebralism: a tendency to focus on intellectual or mental activities.
Related Idioms

  • Ivory tower: a state of privileged seclusion from the practical world, often associated with intellectualism.

    • The scholar lived in an ivory tower, oblivious to the problems of ordinary people. (Isolated from practical realities due to intellectual pursuits.)

  • Head in the clouds: a state of being unrealistic or lost in abstract thought, sometimes linked to excessive intellectualism.

    • His head is always in the clouds, dreaming up theoretical ideas. (Overly focused on intellectual matters.)