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intellectualize

[ in-tl-ek-choo-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˌɪn tlˈɛk tʃu əˌlaɪz /
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verb (used with object), in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.
to seek or consider the rational content or form of.
to make intellectual.
to analyze (something) intellectually or rationally.
to ignore the emotional or psychological significance of (an action, feeling, dream, etc.) by an excessively intellectual or abstract explanation.
verb (used without object), in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.
to talk or write intellectually; reason; philosophize: to intellectualize about world problems.
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Also especially British, in·tel·lec·tu·al·ise .

Origin of intellectualize

First recorded in 1810–20; intellectual + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM intellectualize

Words nearby intellectualize

intellectronics, intellectual, intellectual disability, intellectualism, intellectuality, intellectualize, intellectually handicapped, intellectual property, intelligence, intelligence agency, intelligence office
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to intellectualize

justify, appreciate, consider, figure out, judge, ponder, reflect, resolve, speculate, study, analyze, appraise, brood, cerebrate, cogitate, comprehend, conceive, deduce, deliberate, estimate

How to use intellectualize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for intellectualize

intellectualize

intellectualise

/ (ˌɪntɪˈlɛktʃʊəˌlaɪz) /
verb
to make or become intellectual
(tr) to treat or consider in an intellectual way; rationalize

Derived forms of intellectualize

intellectualization or intellectualisation, nounintellectualizer or intellectualiser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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