Definition

To analyze or explain something in a way that emphasizes reasoning and logic, often to avoid dealing with emotions.

Example

She tends to intellectualize her feelings instead of expressing them directly.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I sometimes feel like I need to intellectualize my emotions to understand them better.

That makes sense; analyzing feelings can be really helpful.

Yeah, but sometimes I think it just complicates things more.

True, it's important to balance thinking and actually feeling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Intellectualize → It is formed from "intellectus" (from Latin, meaning understanding) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to become). The word means to make something intellectual or to think about it in an intellectual way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'understanding' ('intellectus') and remember that to 'intellectualize' means to make something more about understanding or thinking.

Visually Confused Words