IPA: /ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl.ɪ.zəm/
KK: /ɪnˈtɛlɪktʃuəlɪzəm/
A strong focus on using and developing the mind and intelligence, often through study and thought.
Her intellectualism was evident in the way she approached complex problems with deep analysis.
Intellectualism is formed from "intellectus" (meaning understanding or the mind) and "-al" (meaning relating to) combined with "-ism" (meaning a practice or philosophy). The word refers to a philosophy or practice that emphasizes the importance of the intellect or reasoning.
Think of 'intellect' as relating to the mind and 'ism' as a philosophy — this helps you remember that intellectualism is about valuing the mind and reasoning.